According to Samy Kalonji Badibanga, the Administrator of Fizi Territory, the aircraft had taken off from Uvira and was heading to Kalemie in Tanganyika Province. He dismissed social media reports claiming it had departed from Bujumbura and denied rumours suggesting the helicopter had been shot down by AFC/M23 rebels.

Footage recorded by residents on Saturday afternoon showed two survivors being rescued from the water, while another passenger who had initially been pulled out later died.

The cause of the crash remains unclear. However, local sources say three helicopters had earlier flown from Bujumbura towards areas around Uvira, where heavy fighting has intensified between Congolese government forces, Burundian troops and local militias battling AFC/M23.

Residents reported that the helicopter went down at around 11:40 a.m. while apparently searching for another aircraft that had accompanied it. Video clips also showed a second helicopter circling above the lake as part of the rescue effort.

The incident comes amid escalating clashes in the hills outside Uvira, with recent images showing large convoys of Burundian troops moving into the area and M23 fighters deploying closer to the town. There is no confirmation that the rebel group is seeking to take control of Uvira.

After several hours of search operations, the helicopter pilot was found dead, witnesses said. No comment has been issued by FARDC, the Burundian army or other authorities regarding the cause of the crash.