A military plane carrying Malawi's vice president and nine others has gone missing, prompting a search operation, according to a statement from the president's office. The 51-year-old Vice President Saulos Chilima was on board the aircraft that departed from the capital, Lilongwe, en route to Mzuzu International Airport.
The plane, which was scheduled to land in Mzuzu, located approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north, lost contact with aviation authorities about 45 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft went off radar, leading to concerns about its whereabouts.
President Lazarus Chakwera was notified of the situation by Gen. Valentino Phiri, the head of the Malawian armed forces. In response, Chakwera ordered an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the missing plane. The president also canceled a planned trip to the Bahamas to focus on the unfolding situation.
Despite efforts to establish communication with the aircraft since it disappeared from radar, no contact has been made thus far. The search operation involves both national and local authorities working together to locate the missing plane and its passengers.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of air travel in the region. The president's office has assured the public that every effort is being made to find the missing aircraft and ensure the well-being of those on board.
Further updates on the search and rescue operation will be provided as new information becomes available.
Source: AP Africa news
