7 Shocking Moments: Congo Minister’s Plane Bursts into Flames After Runway Skid

7 Shocking Moments: Congo Minister’s Plane Bursts into Flames After Runway Skid, forcing a dramatic evacuation of 29 people. A terrifying aviation scare unfolded on Monday morning when a chartered Embraer ERJ-145 carrying Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and his delegation skidded off runway 29 at Kolwezi Airport and burst into flames.

Against all odds, all 29 people on board survived. The dramatic escape—captured in viral videos—shows passengers scrambling out of the smoke-filled aircraft as flames engulf the tail section. The accident has raised serious concerns over runway maintenance, NOTAM compliance, and the airport’s slow emergency response, as officials confirm that no fire trucks arrived for several minutes despite the airport’s required rescue classification.

The incident occurred as the delegation was en route to Kalondo, where a tragic mine bridge collapse days earlier had killed more than 30 workers. This comprehensive, 1800-word report brings together all verified details surrounding the crash-landing, the evacuation, the emergency response, and the ongoing investigation.

7 Shocking Moments: Congo Minister’s Plane Bursts into Flames After Runway Skid

The Crash-Landing: How the ERJ-145 Overran Runway 29

The aircraft, registration D2-AJB, operated by Airjet Angola, was conducting charter flight MBC-100 from Lubumbashi to Kolwezi when the accident occurred around late morning.

Eyewitnesses and initial investigation reports indicate the Embraer jet:

• Touched down before the displaced threshold of runway 29
• Veered off the usable landing surface
• Lost both main landing gears, which reportedly sheared off during deceleration
• Came to rest at the far end of the runway, where the rear fuselage caught fire

The Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives noted that the landing before the displaced threshold may have significantly contributed to the failure of the landing gears.

Runway maintenance played a critical role

A NOTAM for Kolwezi Airport had warned that 1,000 metres of runway 29 were under resurfacing, significantly reducing the effective Landing Distance Available (LDA).

Investigators believe the flight crew may have:

• Misjudged the touchdown zone
• Attempted to land too early
• Been unaware of the reduced LDA
• Or been unable to stop the aircraft within the shortened runway

Kolwezi Airport has a single asphalt runway, 2,410 metres long, but with a 1 km section temporarily unusable, effective landing space was dangerously limited.

The Moment the Plane Caught Fire — Terrifying Scenes Captured on Video

Within seconds of coming to a halt, the tail section ignited. Viral videos circulating across African and global media show:

• Dense black smoke rising from the rear half of the plane
• Passengers rushing toward emergency exits
• Some people falling to the ground in the panic
• Airport workers attempting to fight the fire using hand-held water hoses
• Officials shouting instructions as the smoke intensifies

One video shows a group of passengers leaping from the overwing exit, running as the fire spreads. Another clip shows the ministerial delegation standing at a safer distance, visibly shaken, as flames consume the aircraft’s tail.

A Miracle Escape — 29 People Survive the Kolwezi Airport Accident

Despite the violent runway overrun and fire, all 26 passengers and 3 crew members survived. Minister Louis Watum Kabamba was among the first confirmed safe.

Isaac Nyembo, the minister’s communications adviser, told reporters:

“Around 20 people were evacuated before the fire spread. There were no fatalities, though luggage and equipment were destroyed.”

Passengers were visibly disoriented, many coughing from smoke inhalation but able to walk unaided. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of minor injuries, but no serious injuries were reported.

Evacuation Difficulties: Smoke, Panic, and Delayed Rescue Response

One of the most concerning aspects highlighted by passengers and witnesses was the slow response from Kolwezi Airport’s rescue services.

Fire trucks reportedly took several minutes to arrive, during which:

• Airport staff and civilians used buckets and hoses to control flames
• Passengers evacuated without assistance from trained responders
• The fire spread rapidly across the tail section

Aviation safety analysts say Kolwezi Airport, as a regional hub serving government and mining operations, should maintain rapid response capability.

The delay raises serious questions about:

• Fire truck readiness
• Staffing levels
• Emergency drills
• Coordination among airport authorities

A senior aviation expert remarked that “the delay could have turned this into a fatal disaster.”

What Exactly Happened on Runway 29? Early Clues From Investigators

The DRC’s aviation investigation body, BPEA, has launched a full probe.

Based on preliminary information, several factors are under scrutiny:

1. Landing before the displaced threshold

Initial reports suggest pilots may have landed too early, touching down before the section of runway available for use.

This area was:

• Under maintenance
• Structurally uneven
• Not intended for landing operations
• Marked by NOTAM but not fully closed

A hard touchdown in this zone may have caused:

• Gear collapse
• Loss of directional control
• Inability to brake properly

2. Runway length reduction due to resurfacing

The NOTAM indicated 1,000 metres of the runway were unavailable, leaving only about 1,410 metres usable.

For an Embraer ERJ-145 at high altitude and potentially carrying officials with luggage, this distance would be tight but manageable—but not if landing occurred before the threshold.

3. Possible pilot misjudgment or fatigue

Authorities have not ruled out:

• Approach misalignment
• Excess landing speed
• Misinterpretation of runway markings
• Crosswind challenges
• Fatigue due to extended duties

4. Mechanical failure

Investigators will examine the:

• Landing gear components
• Brake system
• Tyre integrity
• Thrust reverser deployment

The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) will provide precise insights.

5. Airport infrastructure concerns

Kolwezi Airport has long been criticized for:

• Insufficient maintenance
• Poor runway lighting
• Limited firefighting capability
• A shortage of trained emergency responders

This incident has renewed debate on aviation safety infrastructure in mining regions.

Conflicting Early Reports: Kinshasa or Lubumbashi?

Some early reports, including those from foreign media outlets, suggested the aircraft flew from Kinshasa to Kolwezi. However, verified operational data indicates the flight originated from Lubumbashi, not the capital.

This is consistent with:

• Airjet Angola routing practices
• The short-haul mission profile of the ERJ-145
• Flight number MBC-100 records

Such confusion is common in fast-moving breaking news events, especially involving senior officials.

Why the Delegation Was Traveling — Aftermath of the Kalondo Mine Disaster

The ministerial delegation was en route to Kalondo, near Kolwezi, following a devastating mining accident in which over 30 workers died when a bridge collapsed due to torrential rain on November 15.

Their mission included:

• Assessing the site
• Coordinating government support
• Meeting families of victims
• Evaluating safety conditions in surrounding operations

The runway accident has temporarily delayed these activities but has not altered the government’s overall plan.

Multiple Media Versions: What Really Happened?

Various international outlets—from News.Az to The Telegraph to Travel and Tour World—also released breaking news updates, some with inconsistencies.

This article consolidates verified details only, including:

• Flight registration: D2-AJB
• Aircraft type: Embraer ERJ-145
• Number of people onboard: 29
• Incident timing: Monday morning
• Runway involved: 29 at Kolwezi Airport
• Cause: Under investigation
• Fire location: Tail and rear fuselage
• Outcome: No fatalities

Kolwezi Airport — A Critical but Strained Hub

Kolwezi Airport, supporting the heart of the DRC’s copper and cobalt belt, is crucial for:

• Mining logistics
• Government travel
• Humanitarian missions
• Military operations

But the airport faces chronic challenges:

Structural limitations

• Only one runway
• Inconsistent surface quality
• Aging infrastructure

Operational capacity

• Limited fire and rescue equipment
• Staff shortages
• Infrequent safety drills

High demand from mining sector

Kolwezi’s aviation traffic has increased sharply, outpacing upgrades and stretching resources thin.

Survivors Speak Out — Panic, Smoke, and a Race Against Time

Passengers described scenes of extreme panic:

• “Smoke filled the cabin instantly.”
• “People were screaming and crawling to get out.”
• “We thought the fire would reach us before we escaped.”

One passenger said:

“The rear was burning fast. If we had been trapped for even one more minute, this would be a tragedy.” Minister Kabamba, though shaken, appeared calm as he exited and guided members of his team to safety.

Aircraft Status — Likely a Total Loss

Photographs and video footage show:

• Rear fuselage burned through
• Tail cone destroyed
• Severe heat damage to wiring, structure, and skin
• Landing gear detached
• Wing roots damaged

Experts say the aircraft is likely beyond repair, amounting to a total hull loss.

Investigation Underway — What Comes Next?

The BPEA has secured the crash site.

Next steps include:

• Downloading the FDR and CVR
• Interviewing the flight crew
• Reviewing ATC recordings
• Analyzing NOTAM compliance
• Examining runway friction and markings
• Reviewing the airline’s maintenance logs

A preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days, with a final report within 6–12 months.

Broader Concerns — Congo’s Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny

The DRC has a challenging aviation history, with recurring issues such as:

• Poor infrastructure
• Limited regulatory oversight
• A history of runway excursions
• Maintenance challenges in remote airports

This runway overrun at Kolwezi Airport has reignited calls for:

• Better training
• Stronger enforcement of NOTAMs
• Modern firefighting equipment
• Improved runway maintenance schedules

Experts warn that as mining activity grows, safety risks will only escalate unless infrastructure catches up.

Conclusion — A Disaster Averted, But Warning Signs Everywhere

The survival of all 29 passengers is nothing short of remarkable.

But this incident at Kolwezi Airport exposes systemic weaknesses:

• Delayed emergency response
• Inadequate runway marking/construction
• Operational pressure in mining regions
• Limited oversight

For now, families of the delegation are relieved. But for investigators, policymakers, and aviation experts, the Kolwezi runway overrun is a loud and urgent warning.

Also Read: Russian Passenger Plane With 50 Aboard Crashes Near Tynda

Also Read: DR Congo Minister Survives Fiery Plane Crash