Malawi President Confirms VP's Death in Tragic Plane Crash
After an intensive two-day search and rescue operation, the wreckage of the ill-fated plane was discovered by military teams in the remote forest area of Chikangawa.
LILONGWE, Malawi- In a solemn national address, Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the tragic death of Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others after the aircraft carrying them was found crashed near a hill in the Chikangawa forest in Mzimba district, writes Winston Mwale.
"The search and rescue team has found the aircraft completely destroyed with no survivors as all passengers on board were killed on impact," Chakwera said, his voice heavy with emotion.
"Words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is."
The president expressed deep sorrow over the devastating loss, stating, "I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you all must be feeling at this time."
Chilima, along with his aide Lukas Kapheni, senior officials and crew, were aboard the Malawi Defence Force flight which disappeared Monday shortly after departing Lilongwe.
It had failed to land in Mzuzu due to poor weather before losing contact while rerouting back to the capital.
After an intensive two-day search and rescue operation, the wreckage of the ill-fated plane was discovered by military teams in the remote forest area of Chikangawa.
Chakwera acknowledged the powerlessness often felt amid such tragedies, saying, "Death has a way of reminding us that we do not have control over so many things that affect our lives and those we love."
The president had previously flown aboard the same aircraft and solemnly noted, "Despite the track record of the aircraft and the experience of the crew, something terrible went wrong."
Calling it "one of the greatest honors" to have Chilima as his deputy, Chakwera paid tribute to the late vice president as "a good man, a devoted father and husband, a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction."
He offered condolences to Chilima's wife Mary, family and the bereaved families of the other victims who he said were "men and women of honor who served their country with distinction."
The president also thanked the military for their overnight recovery efforts and all former Malawian leaders for their solidarity.
He urged the nation to unite through the forthcoming mourning period.
"I'm deeply sorry to all of you for this terrible loss," Chakwera said, requesting a moment of silence to honor the victims' memories.
An investigation into the crash's cause is underway as a grieving Malawi prepares to lay its vice president and the other victims to rest.
Take a listen to the president’s speech: