Saturday, March 29, 2025
A serious plane crash occurred at Kolwezi Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, with dramatic video capturing a passenger jet bursting into flames upon landing. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145LR operated by Airjet Angola (registration D2-AJB), was carrying Congo’s Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and several senior government officials from Kinshasa to Lualaba province.
An Embraer ERJ-145 crashed landing at Kolwezi Airport, Democratic Republic of the Congo, veered off runway and caught fire.
The plane was destroyed, but all onboard, including the Mines Minister, evacuated safely. No injuries reported. Investigation ongoing into the crash. #DRC https://t.co/PxHq56C6Z9 pic.twitter.com/4rg5NDV2wb
— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) November 17, 2025
The plane reportedly lost control after touching down on runway 29 and skidded off the runway before overturning.
The main landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to veer off the paved surface. The jet came to rest off the runway, and a fierce fire quickly broke out at the rear of the plane, engulfing the entire tail section.
Emergency services and bystanders rushed to the scene; all passengers, including the minister and his delegation, were able to evacuate seconds before flames intensified.
No injuries or casualties were reported among crew or passengers, but the rear part of the aircraft was completely destroyed by fire.
Civil aviation authorities have begun an investigation into the crash, examining potential causes such as mechanical failure, human error, or poor runway conditions.
Ministry officials confirmed the minister is safe and already undergoing precautionary medical checks along with others from his team.
The minister was traveling to Kolwezi following a tragic mining accident in the region and has since resumed his duties, unaffected by the incident.
Video and eyewitness accounts highlight the chaos, with rescue teams and airport staff acting swiftly to douse the flames and evacuate those onboard.
The jet’s destruction is total, and the authorities are working to determine whether technical malfunction or local runway issues played a role in the event.
This high-profile crash has drawn significant attention given the presence of prominent political figures, but prompt evacuation procedures ensured there was no loss of life.
