Passenger video showed the dramatic scene on November 17, 2025, as an AirJet Angola Embraer ERJ-145 was destroyed by fire after a landing accident at Kolwezi Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. All passengers and crew evacuated safely, according to local authorities.
The aircraft, registered D2-AJB, was operating as a charter flight carrying a delegation from the DRC Ministry of Mines. The delegation was traveling to Kolwezi for official business connected to recent a fatal mining accident in the Lualaba region, according to local reports. The ERJ-145 departed Kinshasa, made a stop in Lubumbashi, and continued on to Kolwezi.
The crash occurred as the aircraft touched down at Kolwezi Airport. According to reports, the jet left the paved surface of the 7,900-foot runway during the landing roll and came to a stop in the dirt beyond. A fire broke out shortly after the aircraft stopped. Videos and images posted on social media showed flames consuming the fuselage and heavy smoke rising from the rear section of the aircraft as passengers scrambled to safety.
Airport emergency crews responded immediately, and authorities said all passengers and crew were able to exit the aircraft before the fire spread. The extent of any injuries has not been confirmed, but officials reported that everyone on board was accounted for and no deaths occurred.
The Ministry of Mines delegation was traveling as part of an official visit to Kolwezi, a key center of cobalt and copper production. The region plays a major role in the DRC’s mining economy, and government officials frequently travel there for inspections, meetings, and site assessments.
Local authorities secured the accident site and began an initial assessment of what went wrong. Aviation investigators from the DRC are expected to examine runway conditions, weather at the time of landing, and the aircraft’s operational status.
AirJet Angola operates regional flights and charter services across Central and Southern Africa. The aircraft involved, built in 2001, previously flew with multiple operators before joining AirJet Angola’s fleet.
Kolwezi Airport serves the city of Kolwezi and nearby mining operations. The airport has a single paved runway and handles a mix of scheduled regional flights, business jets, and government charters.
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