Zimbabwe is mourning after a helicopter crashed in the Marondera area of Mashonaland East on Wednesday evening, with authorities confirming that there were no survivors.
The aircraft went down in the Marondera Rural area at about 5pm, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The incident has prompted a response from police and other relevant authorities, who were deployed to the crash site.
Six People Were Aboard the Aircraft
Police confirmed that six occupants were travelling on the aircraft when it crashed.
The Government provided further details, saying those aboard included a high-profile businessman, other passengers and two pilots.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana said initial information received by the Government indicated that everyone on board had died.
“Current information indicates that there were no survivors in this crash,” Mangwana said in a statement.
Victims’ Identities Yet to Be Released
Authorities had not publicly identified the people killed in the crash at the time of the initial Government announcement.
Mangwana said the Zimbabwe Republic Police would release the names once the required procedures had been completed.
The identities are expected to provide further information about the businessman and other passengers involved in the tragedy.
Investigation Underway at Crash Scene
Police and other relevant agencies were attending to the crash site as efforts continued to establish what caused the aircraft to go down.
The ZRP said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the flight, the aircraft and the events leading up to the crash as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Government Sends Condolences to Families
The fatal incident has drawn condolences from the Zimbabwean Government, with Mangwana expressing sympathy to those affected by the deaths.
“We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the victims, their families, and their friends during this difficult time,” he said.
Further updates, including the official identities of those killed and details surrounding the cause of the crash, are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
