Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima, along with his wife and eight others, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash within the Chikangawa mountain range, the Malawian government confirmed. The crash has prompted President Lazarus Chakwera to declare Tuesday, June 11, 2024, a national day of mourning.
The devastating news came after an extensive search effort lasting more than a day in the forested mountains of northern Malawi. The aircraft, carrying Vice President Chilima and nine others, went missing after departing from the nation’s capital, Lilongwe, on Monday, June 10, 2024.
A statement from the president’s office revealed that the Malawi Defense Force aircraft “went off the radar” shortly after takeoff. 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). When aviation officials lost contact with the plane, President Chakwera immediately ordered a search and rescue operation and canceled his own planned flight to the Bahamas.
In a national address, President Chakwera expressed profound sorrow, announcing that Vice President Chilima, his wife, seven military officers, and one additional passenger were aboard the compact military aircraft. The president conveyed the nation’s grief, stating, “Unfortunately, all on board have perished in the crash.”
The confirmation of the tragic loss has cast a somber shadow over the country, as citizens mourn the death of their Vice President and the other victims. The government has pledged to keep the public informed as more details become available.