Congo Mines Minister Survives Plane Fire

At least 32 people were killed on November 15 when a makeshift bridge collapsed at the Kalando mine in Lualaba Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The tragedy occurred after miners, startled by gunfire reportedly fired by security personnel guarding the site, rushed across the narrow bridge, causing it to give way under sudden pressure.
In the aftermath, DR Congo Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and a team of officials flew from Kinshasa to Kolwezi to inspect the disaster site.
However, their aircraft encountered a dangerous landing incident.
While touching down at Kolwezi Airport, the minister’s plane skidded off the runway and caught fire. Airport emergency teams responded swiftly, safely evacuating all passengers and quickly extinguishing the flames. No injuries were reported. Authorities have launched two separate investigations—one into the mine bridge collapse and another into the airport incident.
Rescue and recovery efforts are still underway at the Kalando mine, and officials warn the death toll could rise.