Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima has tragically died in a plane crash, President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Tuesday. The military plane carrying Chilima, 51, and nine others disappeared on Monday after failing to land in Mzuzu due to bad weather and was directed to return to Lilongwe. Search teams located the wreckage in a foggy forest, confirming there were no survivors.
The aircraft, a Malawi Army Air Wing Dornier 228-202K, was found completely destroyed, with photographs showing debris scattered on a foggy slope. Rescuers had been combing a forest south of Mzuzu, the last known location of the plane before it vanished. Neighboring countries aided the search efforts with helicopters and drones.
The plane had departed from Lilongwe to attend a funeral in Mzuzu. Among the passengers was former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri. President Chakwera noted that despite the aircraft's reliable track record and the crew's experience, something went tragically wrong on its return flight to Lilongwe.
Saulos Chilima, elected vice president in 2014 and a beloved figure among Malawians, particularly the youth, faced a career setback in 2022 when arrested over a bribery scandal. The charges were dropped last month, allowing him to resume his duties. President Chakwera paid tribute to Chilima as a devoted leader and patriot, highlighting their close working relationship over the past four years.
The aircraft, a Malawi Army Air Wing Dornier 228-202K, was found completely destroyed, with photographs showing debris scattered on a foggy slope. Rescuers had been combing a forest south of Mzuzu, the last known location of the plane before it vanished. Neighboring countries aided the search efforts with helicopters and drones.
The plane had departed from Lilongwe to attend a funeral in Mzuzu. Among the passengers was former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri. President Chakwera noted that despite the aircraft's reliable track record and the crew's experience, something went tragically wrong on its return flight to Lilongwe.
Saulos Chilima, elected vice president in 2014 and a beloved figure among Malawians, particularly the youth, faced a career setback in 2022 when arrested over a bribery scandal. The charges were dropped last month, allowing him to resume his duties. President Chakwera paid tribute to Chilima as a devoted leader and patriot, highlighting their close working relationship over the past four years.
