Tuesday, 11 June, 2024: Malawi was plunged into mourning as President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the devastating news of a fatal plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others. The announcement, made on Tuesday, marked a somber moment in the nation's history as hopes for survivors were extinguished.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as a military plane, had been carrying Vice President Chilima and his companions when it tragically crashed into a forested area. President Chakwera, visibly distressed, delivered the heartbreaking news to the nation in a televised address, expressing deep sorrow and regret over the loss.
The grim turn of events followed the plane's disappearance on Monday, as it failed to land in the city of Mzuzu amidst adverse weather conditions. Directed to return to the capital, Lilongwe, the aircraft vanished from radar, prompting a frantic search effort.
Efforts to locate the wreckage were concentrated on a forested region south of Mzuzu, where the last transmissions from the plane's devices were detected. Moses Kunkuyu, a government spokesperson, provided insights during a press conference, detailing the challenges faced by search teams amidst challenging weather conditions.
International support poured in as neighboring countries and partners extended assistance in the rescue operation. General Paul Valentino Phiri, the army commander, highlighted the deployment of helicopters and drones to aid in the search. The US Embassy in Lilongwe also pledged its support, offering the use of military aircraft to aid in the mission.
Despite the collaborative efforts, the rescue mission faced formidable obstacles due to persistent bad weather. Footage shared by search team members depicted foggy conditions, hampering visibility and complicating search efforts.