An aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima, along with nine others, has gone missing, sparking a nationwide search and rescue operation.
The Malawi Defense Force aircraft “went off the radar” after departing from the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday, June 10, 2024, according to a statement from the president’s office. The aircraft was scheduled to land at Mzuzu International Airport in the northern region of the country shortly after 10:00 local time (11:00 BST).Authorities have launched a search and rescue operation for the missing aircraft belonging to the Malawi Defense Force. The plane departed from Lilongwe and was heading towards Mzuzu International Airport when it disappeared from radar. The president’s office has issued a statement confirming the incident and expressing concern for the passengers and crew on board.
The details surrounding the aircraft, such as its type and the number of people on board, are currently unknown. The search operation is being conducted by various agencies, including the Malawi Defense Force, aviation authorities, and local emergency services.
Speculation and concern have risen regarding the fate of the aircraft and its occupants. It remains unclear what caused the plane to go off the radar and whether any distress signals were received before its disappearance.
Updates from the authorities, as well as any information from the ongoing search efforts, will be eagerly awaited by the public and the families of those on board.
Aviation officials lost contact with the aircraft, prompting President Lazarus Chakwera to order an immediate search and rescue mission. In response to the incident, President Chakwera canceled his planned flight to the Bahamas.
The official statement from Capital Hill in Lilongwe reads:
“Capital Hill, Lilongwe – The Office of the President and Cabinet wishes to inform the general public that the Malawi Defense Force Aircraft that left Lilongwe today, Monday, 10th June 2024, at 09:17 Hours, carrying the Vice President, the Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine others, failed to make its scheduled landing at Mzuzu International Airport at 10:02.
All efforts by aviation authorities to make contact with the Aircraft since it went off the radar have failed thus far. As such, the Commander of the Malawi Defense Force, General Valentino Phiri, has since informed His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the incident, and the President has since canceled his scheduled departure for the Bahamas and ordered all regional and national agencies to conduct an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the aircraft.
The public will be updated on any developments as facts are established.”
Colleen Zamba, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, assured the public that updates will be provided as the situation develops.
This unfolding incident has gripped the nation, with many hoping for the safe return of Vice President Chilima and the other passengers.
