Rescue teams in Malawi have located the wreckage of a military plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima, confirming that there were no survivors. The remains of the aircraft were discovered on Tuesday in a mountainous region in the north of the country, a day after it vanished amid severe weather conditions.
President Lazarus Chakwera addressed the nation in a televised speech, announcing the heartbreaking news that none of the ten individuals on board, including the 51-year-old Vice President Chilima, survived the crash. “It is with profound sorrow that we confirm the loss of Vice President Chilima and all those aboard,” President Chakwera said, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims.
The ill-fated plane departed from the capital city, Lilongwe, on Monday, bound for Mzuzu International Airport, approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north. The aircraft was expected to land around 45 minutes after takeoff but failed to reach its destination, prompting immediate concerns and a swift response from national and local authorities.
Following the plane’s disappearance, President Chakwera ordered a comprehensive search and rescue operation. “We mobilized all available resources to locate the missing aircraft,” stated a spokesperson from the President’s office. The coordinated efforts led to the grim discovery in a dense forest area, confirming the worst fears of the nation.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Malawi, as the country mourns the loss of its Vice President and the other nine individuals who perished in the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that adverse weather conditions may have played a significant role.
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