LUSAKA, July 9 — Zambia’s Vice President, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, escaped unharmed after a Zambia Air Force helicopter carrying her was involved in an accident during take-off in the northern town of Nakonde on Thursday, the government said.

In a statement, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick K. Kangwa said the helicopter was involved in an accident shortly after take-off while the Vice President was on an official visit to Muchinga Province.

Nalumango, along with all passengers and crew members on board, was reported safe. As a precaution, she was taken to a nearby medical facility for routine medical checks before being discharged.

“The Vice-President is in good health,” the government said, adding that she will continue with her official programme.

The government commended the Zambia Air Force flight crew and emergency responders for their professionalism during the incident and thanked residents of Nakonde for their swift assistance.

Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the cause of the accident in accordance with standard aviation procedures.

The incident occurred as Nalumango has been on the campaign trail ahead of Zambia’s August 13 general elections, where she is the running mate to President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking another term in office. The campaign has seen the Vice President travel extensively across the country to mobilize support for the governing United Party for National Development (UPND).

No further details about the aircraft or the circumstances leading to the accident were immediately released.