A small military plane crash in a mountainous region in northern Malawi has resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 individuals, including Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima. The crash occurred during a flight to the city of Mzuzu, where the passengers were headed to attend a funeral. The wreckage of the plane was located after an extensive search effort in thick forests and hilly terrain near Mzuzu.
President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the devastating news in a live address on state television, revealing that there were no survivors of the crash. Among the passengers were former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri and three military crew members. The aircraft, a small propeller-driven plane operated by the Malawian armed forces, had departed from the capital, Lilongwe, but encountered bad weather conditions en route to Mzuzu.
The search and rescue operation involved hundreds of personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and forest rangers. Despite international assistance from countries like the U.S., the U.K., Norway, and Israel, the outcome was tragic. Vice President Chilima, who was serving his second term, had a prominent political career and had recently been cleared of corruption charges.
The loss of Vice President Chilima and the other passengers has deeply impacted Malawi, a nation of around 21 million people that has faced economic challenges. The incident has highlighted the risks associated with air travel in challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. The international community has expressed condolences and offered support to Malawi during this difficult time.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the nation mourns the loss of prominent figures and reflects on the contributions made by Vice President Chilima and others who perished in this tragic accident.
