Prominent Businessman, Five Others K!lled In Helicopter Cr∆sh; Wife Feared Among Victims
Prominent Businessman, Five Others Killed In Helicopter Crash; Wife Feared Among Victims
The development was also confirmed by Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, who said the government had received information indicating that there were no survivors.
Zimbabwean authorities have confirmed a fatal helicopter crash in Marondera Rural area, with six people, including a high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots, reportedly killed in the incident.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the aircraft crashed at about 1700 hours, adding that all six occupants were believed to have died.
In a statement on Wednesday, the police said: “The ZRP confirms a plane crash in Marondera Rural area at 1700 hours. The aircraft had 6 occupants.”
The development was also confirmed by Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, who said the government had received information indicating that there were no survivors.
In an official statement titled “Official – Government Confirms Fatal Helicopter Crash,” Mangwana said the helicopter was carrying one high-profile businessman, three other passengers and two pilots.
“The Government wishes to confirm that a helicopter crash has occurred, involving one high-profile businessman, three other passengers, and two pilots,” the statement read.
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash.”
The government official said the Zimbabwe Republic Police would provide the identities of those wh died once the relevant information had been confirmed.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will confirm the names of the victims in due course,” Magwana said.
He also expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the crash.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time,” he said.
The crash was reported in Marondera Rural area, east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash, including the type of helicopter, its destination, the identities of the pilots and passengers, and what caused the aircraft to go down, were not immediately provided by the authorities.Initial reports circulating after the crash identified millionaire businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, among the victims. However, the government statement did not name any of the victims, while the police said the identities would be confirmed in due course.
Authorities have therefore yet to officially release the names of all six people who were on board the helicopter.
The confirmation of the crash comes as emergency and security authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The government has not disclosed whether the helicopter developed a technical problem, encountered adverse weather conditions or crashed during take-off, landing or flight.
The incident has also triggered concern among members of the public and business community following reports that a prominent businessman was among those on board.
The Zimbabwean government, however, urged reliance on official information as authorities work to establish the identities of the victims and provide further details about the crash.
The ZRP is expected to release additional information as investigations into the incident progress.
At the time of the government’s confirmation, authorities maintained that all six occupants had died, with no survivors reported from the crash.
