DRC Minister of Mines Survives Plane Crash During Emergency Mission to Mulondo
Mulondo Mining Emergency: Minister Louis Watum’s Plane Fire at Kolwezi Airport Avoids Casualties
An emergency mining mission to Mulondo, Lualaba Province, led by DRC Minister of Mines Louis Watum, narrowly avoided disaster on Monday, November 17, 2025, when the plane carrying the delegation caught fire upon landing at Kolwezi Airport.
Initial reports from airport authorities indicate a technical malfunction in the aircraft’s landing gear, which triggered the fire. Kolwezi airport emergency services responded immediately, containing the blaze and ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Miraculously, there were no injuries, despite the panic and thick smoke. The delegation was swiftly evacuated, though the plane suffered significant damage.
The mission to Mulondo was initiated to assess the recent mining tragedy, meet local authorities, inspect affected areas, and propose urgent safety measures to protect artisanal miners and prevent further incidents.
Kolwezi airport authorities have opened a technical investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The Ministry of Mines confirmed that, despite the incident, the mission will continue operations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to miner safety and emergency response in the DRC.
