Malawi Mourns the Loss of Vice President and Nine Others in Tragic Plane Crash
His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi has announced the tragic news in a solemn national address from Kamuzu Palace that the missing plane carrying Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others has been found with no survivors.
The aircraft was discovered near a hill in the Chikangawa forest, completely destroyed, with all passengers killed on impact.
“Words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is,” President Chakwera said, expressing his profound sorrow. He acknowledged the collective pain and anguish felt by the nation, emphasising the helplessness and vulnerability that such a loss brings.
The aircraft, frequently used for similar trips and operated successfully just hours before the crash, went down under circumstances still unknown.
“Despite the track record of the aircraft and the experience of the crew, something terrible went wrong,” President Chakwera noted, highlighting the shock and devastation left in the wake of the crash.
Vice President Chilima was remembered as a devoted father, husband, and a patriotic citizen who served Malawi with distinction. President Chakwera described having Chilima as his deputy and counsellor as one of the greatest honours of his life.
The loss extends beyond Chilima to the others on board, who were also men and women of honour serving their country with distinction.
President Chakwera thanked Commander Phiri and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) team for their tireless efforts in locating the plane under challenging weather conditions.
He also expressed gratitude to former Malawian Presidents for their solidarity during this difficult time.
The MDF is in the process of bringing the remains to the capital, and arrangements for a dignified burial will be announced later today.
The President called for national unity and collective mourning, urging everyone to comfort each other in the coming days and weeks.
In a poignant conclusion, President Chakwera led the nation in observing a minute of silence in honour of the Vice President and the others who perished in the crash. “May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
The nation mourns together as details of the funeral arrangements and further investigations into the cause of the crash are awaited.
