Malawi’s Vice-President Chilima, eighth others die in plane crash
Malawi is in mourning after a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
The plane, which was carrying the Vice- President and other passengers, crashed in Nthungwa, Chikangawa Forest in the Northern district of Mzimba.
President Lazarus Chakwera delivered the heartbreaking news in a national address, expressing his own grief and calling for unity and support during this difficult time.
Vice-President Chilima had been enroute to Mzuzu from Lilongwe, with plans to proceed to Nkhata Bay for a funeral ceremony of the late Ralph Kasambara. Unfortunately, bad weather forced the plane, a Malawi Defence Force aircraft, to attempt a return to Kamuzu International Airport, during which communication was lost and the aircraft crashed.
Following a search and rescue operation, the wreckage was found in Chikangawa Forest, and it was confirmed that there were no survivors. The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Lilongwe, and the nation is awaiting further information on funeral arrangements.
Saulos Chilima, who also served as president of the UTM party, was known for his previous affiliation with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and contested the 2019 elections as a presidential candidate. After legal challenges, the 2019 elections were nullified, and Chilima formed an electoral alliance with the Malawi Congress Party together with other parties.
