Malawi is in mourning following the devastating news of a plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine other individuals. The tragedy unfolded when a military aircraft, navigating through foggy conditions, transmitted a distress signal earlier today.
Confirmation of the fatalities came from the Republic of Malawi, which issued a statement revealing the loss of Vice President Chilima and the other passengers aboard the ill-fated plane, which remains missing as of Tuesday morning.
Throughout the night, Malawi Defence Forces personnel tirelessly searched the dense Chikangawa Forest in hopes of locating the downed aircraft and any potential survivors. However, their efforts have thus far been unsuccessful, with each passing moment dimming hopes of finding anyone alive.
Here’s What We Know:
- The flight was en route to Mzuzu, the capital of Malawi’s Northern Region, with Vice President Chilima intending to proceed to Nkhata Bay for the burial of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara.
- Chilima’s decision to take the plane was motivated by his desire to return promptly to Lilongwe to bid farewell to President Chakwera, who was departing for The Bahamas and Switzerland. Chilima had recently represented Malawi at the Korea-Africa summit in South Korea.
- Inclement weather prevented the aircraft from landing in Mzuzu, prompting a recommendation from ground personnel to return to base. However, all contact with the aircraft was abruptly lost thereafter.
- President Chakwera has directed the Malawi Defence Forces and aviation authorities to intensify search and rescue efforts, seeking assistance from neighboring countries. Despite these concerted endeavors, there have been no sightings of the plane. Among the passengers believed to be on board were former first lady Patricia Shanil Muluzi, while Chilima’s wife, Mary, was confirmed to have missed the ill-fated flight.
