Malawi Mourns: Vice President Chilima Among 10 Killed in Tragic Plane Crash
In a devastating turn of events, Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others have been confirmed dead after the military plane they were traveling in crashed into a hillside in the Chikangawa forest, a mountainous area in the northern part of the country. The tragic news was delivered by President Lazarus Chakwera in a live televised address, leaving the nation in shock and mourning.
The wreckage of the Dornier 228-type twin-propeller plane, which was carrying Chilima, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and seven other passengers, along with three crew members, was discovered after an extensive search operation involving 600 troops, police officers, and forest rangers. The plane had been en route to a funeral for an ex-minister when it encountered severe weather conditions.
Air traffic controllers had instructed the aircraft not to attempt a landing at the airport in Mzuzu due to the inclement weather and advised it to return to the capital, Lilongwe. However, contact was lost, and the plane disappeared from radar, prompting a frantic search effort that ultimately led to the grim discovery of the crash site.
In his address, President Chakwera expressed profound sorrow and disbelief at the loss of his vice president, whom he described as "a good man, a devoted father and husband, a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction, and a formidable vice president." He acknowledged the immense pain and anguish felt by the nation, stating, "Words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is, and I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you all must be feeling at this point in time."
Chilima, who had served as vice president since 2014, initially under former President Peter Mutharika and later as Chakwera's running mate after the annulled 2019 elections, was a respected figure in Malawian politics. Prior to his political career, he held prominent positions at companies like Airtel Malawi, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Carlsberg, showcasing his business acumen.
The tragic loss of Chilima and the nine other individuals on board has cast a pall of grief over Malawi, with the president expressing gratitude for the support offered by the United States, Israel, Norway, and the United Kingdom in the search efforts.
As the nation mourns this devastating tragedy, the crash serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the immense sacrifices made by those in public service. Malawi's resilience will be tested as it navigates this profound loss, but the memory of Vice President Chilima and his unwavering dedication to his country will undoubtedly inspire and guide the nation through this trying time.