Wreck of Missing Malawi VP’s Plane Found, no Survivors
The wreck of a plane carrying Malawi’s vice-president has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera has said. The remains of the military plane were located on Tuesday in a mountainous area in the north of the country.
Saulos Chilima and nine others were flying within the country on Monday morning when their aircraft disappeared from airport radars.
The plane, a military aircraft, was flying in bad weather.
Soldiers had been searching Chikangawa Forest overnight and into the morning in an effort to find the plane.
Mr Chakwera said he was “deeply saddened and sorry” to inform Malawians of the terrible tragedy.
He said the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed.
Mr Chakwera paid tribute to Dr Chilima, describing him as “a good man”, “devoted father” and “formidable VP”.
Dr Chilima, 51, was on his way to represent the government at the burial of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who died four days ago.
Former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri was also on the flight, which took off from the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning.
It was meant to land at the airport in the northern city of Mzuzu, but was turned back because of poor visibility.
The military is transporting the remains of Dr Chiima and the other victims to Lilongwe, the president said, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
