Malawi VP Chilima's Plane Wreckage Found
The wreckage was found in the Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba with no survivors.
Malawi VP Chilima's Plane Wreckage Found
The wreckage of a Dornier 228 military plane, carrying Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Klaus Chilima, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and eight others, has been found.
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Pictures of the wreckage from the crash site have already begun circulating on social media
The military aircraft, which reportedly went missing shortly after 10 AM on Monday, was found in the Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba, with no survivors.
President Lazarus Chakwera has confirmed in a televised address that all 10 passengers on board, including Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima, have died.
“Despite the track record of the aircraft and the experience of the crew, something terrible went wrong with that aircraft on its flight back … sending it crashing down and killing everyone on board and leaving us all devastated.”
He shared that he received confirmation from the Malawi Defence Force commander that the search and rescue mission had concluded, and the plane wreckage had been located.
Malawi VP Chilima's Plane Wreckage Found
President Chakwera conveyed deep sorrow, expressing his profound sadness and regret as he informed the people of Malawi about the heart-wrenching tragedy. He noted that the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed.
Chilima, aged 51, was en route to represent the government at the funeral of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who passed away four days prior.
Former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri was also aboard the flight, which departed from the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning.
The plane was meant to land at the airport in the northern city of Mzuzu, but due to poor visibility, the flight was redirected.
The military aircraft reportedly suddenly disappeared from airport radars and couldn’t be traced, thus initiating search operations.
