In a tragic incident that has left the nation of Malawi in mourning, Vice President Saulos Chilima, along with nine others, was killed in a plane crash on June 11. The crash, which involved a military aircraft, occurred in a mountainous region in the northern part of the country. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the devastating news in a live address on state television.
Malawi The Incident
The ill-fated flight departed from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning, bound for the city of Mzuzu, approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north. The journey, which was expected to last just 45 minutes, ended in tragedy as the aircraft disappeared from radar after losing contact with air traffic control.
Authorities reported that air traffic controllers had advised the plane not to attempt a landing at Mzuzu’s airport due to adverse weather conditions and poor visibility. Despite this warning, the aircraft continued its journey, ultimately leading to its crash in the Viphya Mountains.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search for the wreckage was an extensive operation that lasted over a day, involving around 600 personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and forest rangers. The search was concentrated in a vast forest plantation area, highlighting the challenging terrain and difficult weather conditions that rescuers faced. 
Details of the Aircraft
The aircraft involved was identified as a Dornier 228, a twin-propeller plane that had been in service with the Malawian armed forces since its delivery in 1988. The small, propeller-driven plane had seven passengers and three military crew members on board. Among the passengers was a former first lady, adding to the national significance of this tragic event.
National Response
President Chakwera’s announcement brought the nation together in grief. In his address, he expressed deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. The loss of Vice President Chilima, a key figure in Malawi’s government, has had a profound impact on the country.
In a devastating incident, Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others lost their lives in a plane crash on June 11. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the tragedy in a live address on state television, bringing the nation together in mourning.
The Incident
The military plane carrying Vice President Chilima and other passengers went missing on Monday morning. It was on a 45-minute flight from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, to the city of Mzuzu, approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the north. The aircraft was last in contact with air traffic controllers who advised against landing at Mzuzu’s airport due to bad weather and poor visibility. Despite instructions to return to Lilongwe, the plane lost contact and subsequently disappeared from radar.
Search and Recovery Efforts
An intensive search operation involving around 600 personnel, including soldiers, police officers, and forest rangers, ensued in the Viphya Mountains. The wreckage was eventually located in a remote, mountainous area after a search that lasted more than a day. Sadly, there were no survivors among the seven passengers and three military crew members on board.
Details of the Aircraft
The downed aircraft was a Dornier 228, a small, twin-propeller plane that had been part of the Malawian armed forces since 1988. The plane’s tail number was confirmed by President Chakwera, aligning with records from the ch-aviation website, which tracks aircraft information. Among the passengers was a former first lady, adding to the national significance of the loss.
Vice President Saulos Chilima’s Legacy
Saulos Chilima was serving his second term as Vice President, having previously held the role from 2014 to 2019 under former President Peter Mutharika. Chilima was a notable figure in Malawian politics, finishing third in the 2019 presidential election before the results were annulled due to irregularities. He then became President Chakwera’s running mate in the historic 2020 election rerun, which resulted in the first-ever court-overturned election in Africa leading to a defeat for the incumbent president.
Controversy and Corruption Charges
Despite his political achievements, Chilima had faced corruption charges, accused of receiving money in exchange for influencing government procurement contracts for the Malawi armed forces and police. These charges were dropped last month, a decision that sparked criticism of President Chakwera’s administration for not taking a strong enough stance against corruption. Chilima had consistently denied the allegations.
National Grief and Moving Forward
The tragic loss of Vice President Chilima and the others on board has deeply affected Malawi. President Chakwera expressed profound sorrow and offered condolences to the families of the victims in his address. As the nation grieves, questions regarding aviation safety and the handling of emergencies are likely to be revisited to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident has underscored the importance of stringent safety protocols and effective emergency response mechanisms. As Malawi mourns, the memories of those lost and their contributions to the country will be honored and remembered. ALSO READ:- Hope UNSC Endorses Ceasefire Resolution to End Gaza Conflict 2024