Officers of the Malawi Defence Forces have spent the night scouring the dense Chikangawa Forest in search of the plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima. Despite their efforts, the aircraft has yet to be located, and the prospects of finding survivors grow dimmer as time passes.
What We Know So Far: The plane was scheduled to land in Mzuzu, the capital of Malawi’s Northern Region, from where Vice President Chilima was to proceed to Nkhata Bay for the burial of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara. Chilima had recently returned from South Korea, where he attended the Korea-Africa summit on behalf of President Chakwera.
Reports indicate that Chilima opted for the plane to ensure his timely return to Lilongwe to see off President Chakwera, who was departing for The Bahamas and Switzerland. However, bad weather prevented the aircraft from landing in Mzuzu, prompting the ground crew to advise a return to base. Subsequently, all contact with the plane was lost.
President Chakwera has instructed the Malawi Defence Forces and aviation authorities to conduct search and rescue operations, seeking assistance from neighboring countries. Despite these efforts, there have been no sightings of the plane, which reportedly carried 10 passengers, including former first lady Patricia Shanil Muluzi. Chilima’s wife, Mary, was confirmed to have missed the flight.
Search Efforts and Challenges: The search area, Chikangawa Forest, spans over 50,000 hectares, posing significant challenges due to its vastness and complex terrain. Despite reports from locals claiming to have seen an airplane crash in the forest, no tangible leads have emerged. The wet weather further complicates search efforts, with the Malawi Defence Forces facing difficulties during Monday night’s search.
Expected Outcomes for Day 2: With various teams, including a drone team from Malawi University of Science and Technology and assistance from the US government, on the ground, there is hope that the plane will be located. However, concerns linger over the slow response time and the fate of those on board. Mzimba district hospital has been placed on high alert, anticipating potential casualties.
As the search and rescue mission continues, the nation remains united in hope and prayer for a positive outcome. Messages of support and prayers from across Malawi reflect the collective concern for the safety of those involved in this tragic incident.
