A plane carrying Zambia’s Vice President, Dr. W. K. Mutale Nalumango, crashed shortly after take-off in Nakonde on Wednesday.

Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft went down moments after departure while en route to Isoka District.

Although sources say about eight people were on board, authorities have not yet confirmed the number of occupants.

The condition of the Vice President and the other passengers remains unknown.

Dr. Nalumango had earlier met stakeholders and addressed a public rally in Nakonde as part of her working tour of Muchinga Province.

Authorities have tightened security around the crash site as investigations continue, with more details expected.