In a devastating turn of events, a military aircraft carrying Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others crashed into a forest near Mzuzu, with no survivors. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the tragic news in a televised address on Tuesday, expressing profound sorrow over the loss.
The plane, a Malawi Army Air Wing Dornier 228-202K, disappeared from radar on Monday after failing to land at Mzuzu International Airport due to poor visibility and bad weather. The aircraft was en route from the capital, Lilongwe, to Mzuzu for the funeral of a former cabinet minister. Despite attempts to return to Lilongwe, the plane crashed, killing all on board.
Among the victims were Vice President Saulos Chilima, 51, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, seven other passengers including government officials and military personnel, and three military crew members.
The search for the missing plane commenced immediately, with Malawian military forces receiving assistance from neighboring countries, utilizing helicopters and drones. The wreckage was discovered more than a day later in a forested, mountainous area near Mzuzu. Photographs from the scene showed debris scattered on a foggy slope, confirming the aircraft’s tragic fate.
President Chakwera, in his address, expressed his deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims. “The plane has been found, and I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform you all, it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy,” he said. He assured the public that all available resources were used in the search efforts, despite the challenging weather and terrain.
Vice President Chilima was a prominent figure in Malawian politics, known for his charisma and stern demeanor. First elected in 2014, he had recently resumed his official duties after being cleared of corruption charges. His death, along with the others, has sent shockwaves through the nation.
The Malawi Defence Force is working on recovering the remains of the deceased and bringing them back to Lilongwe. President Chakwera stated that further announcements regarding memorial arrangements would be made in due course.
This tragic incident follows closely after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, marking a period of mourning in the international community. The loss of Vice President Chilima and his companions has deeply affected Malawi, particularly the young people who held him in high regard.
As the nation grieves, the government and military continue their efforts to provide closure to the families and honor the memory of those lost in this heartbreaking accident.
