Malawi is reeling from a devastating loss following the tragic aircraft crash that claimed the life of Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and nine other individuals. Dr. Chilima, who had been serving as Vice President since 2020 and was recently cleared of corruption charges, perished in the incident that has plunged the nation into mourning.
Details of the Incident
Who: The ill-fated flight carried Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima along with nine other passengers including the former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, all of whom perished in the crash. The group was traveling to attend the funeral of a former government minister.
When: The aircraft disappeared on the morning of Monday, 10th June 2024, shortly after departing from Lilongwe, the capital.
Where: The aircraft vanished over the Chikangawa Forest, a mountainous and heavily wooded area. It was en route to Mzuzu International Airport but never reached its destination.
Why: The precise cause of the crash remains unclear. The aircraft, intended to land at Mzuzu International Airport just after 10:00 local time (09:00 BST), failed to do so, leading to a comprehensive search operation.
How: After failing to arrive as scheduled, a search mission was launched, ultimately locating the wreckage in the Chikangawa Forest.
National Response
In light of this tragic event, President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a national day of mourning. The President has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast until the funeral of Dr. Chilima and the other victims. The confirmation of the fatalities came from the President’s secretary, Colleen Samba.
The nation of Malawi is united in grief, mourning the loss of a leader and the others who were with him on that fateful flight. This heartbreaking incident leaves a profound impact on the country, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the importance of unity in times of sorrow.