Plane turns into ball of fireImage Credit source:

A major air disaster was almost averted in Congo. A chartered Embraer plane skidded off the runway during landing and burst into flames, but not a single passenger lost his life. The video of the accident is becoming increasingly viral on social media.

In which passengers can be seen running out of the plane screaming. The Embraer jet carrying Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mining Minister Louis Wattam Kabamba and his entourage skidded off runway 29 while landing at Kolwezi Airport on Monday morning.

Video of accident goes viral

The plane slid on its belly and stopped within seconds, but immediately a fire broke out in its rear. Panic-stricken officers somehow came out through the windows and emergency exits. It is seen in the video that as the passengers ran away, the flames completely engulfed the rear part of the plane. A delay of even a few seconds could have resulted in a major tragedy.

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

20 officers including minister among the passengers, all safe

According to media reports, about 20 officers were on board, and everyone was taken out safely in time. He told that the fire spread so fast that the passengers had to run to save their lives. Although no one died, the passengers’ luggage and many equipment were destroyed in the fire.

Emergency rescue teams immediately reached the spot and brought the fire under control. But by then the rear part of the plane was badly burnt. Initial reports said that the plane had lost control during landing, but the reason is not yet clear.

Mining accident happened two days ago, the team was on tour

The accident occurred when the minister and his team were going to take stock of the deadly mining accident that took place in Kalondo area two days ago, in which 32 people died. In such a situation, this plane crash has become an even greater matter of concern for the security agencies.