Malawi’s Vice President Among 10 Killed in Plane Crash

Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima, has been confirmed dead in a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of all 10 people on board. The incident occurred on May 15, 2023, near the capital city of Lilongwe. According to initial reports, the plane, a Cessna 404 Titan, crashed shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip. Eye witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames before the aircraft plummeted to the ground, killing all on impact. Among the victims were Chilima’s wife, Mary; his personal assistant, Joshua Chiphwanya; and several government officials. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed his profound shock and sorrow over the tragic incident. In a televised address to the nation, he described Chilima as a “dedicated and hardworking servant of the people of Malawi.” Chilima, 49, was elected vice president in 2020 alongside Chakwera. He was known for his outspoken views and his efforts to fight corruption. He had previously served as minister of finance under the previous administration. The crash has sent shockwaves throughout Malawi and the international community. The United Nations, the African Union, and several foreign governments have expressed their condolences and offered support to the bereaved families. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the incident. The wreckage of the plane has been recovered and will be subject to technical examination. The loss of Vice President Chilima and the other victims is a tragic blow to Malawi. The country has been plunged into mourning, and the government has declared a period of national mourning.Deadly Plane Crash in Malawi Kills Vice President

Deadly Plane Crash in Malawi Kills Vice President

Rescuers in Malawi have located the wreckage of a plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima, but they have confirmed that there are no survivors. The wreckage was found on Tuesday in a mountainous area in the north of the country, after a day of searching in dense forest. The plane had disappeared on Monday due to bad weather. President Lazarus Chakwera addressed the nation on television, stating that none of the 10 people on board, including Chilima, had survived the crash. The passengers included Chilima, a former first lady, and three military crew members. The plane had departed from the capital Lilongwe on Monday, but failed to land at Mzuzu International Airport, 370 kilometers to the north. Chilima was a potential candidate in next year’s presidential election. He had switched support from Chakwera’s rival, former President Peter Mutharika, for the 2020 election. In 2022, Chilima was arrested for bribery related to police and armed forces supply contracts. However, last month the charges were dismissed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Critics have argued that the case against Chilima was politically motivated, suggesting that Chakwera was disregarding his promises to combat corruption.At least 10 people, including Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima, were killed in a plane crash on Saturday, according to government officials. The plane, which was carrying 13 people, crashed shortly after takeoff from the capital, Lilongwe. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. In a statement, President Lazarus Chakwera expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a tragic day for Malawi,” Chakwera said. “We have lost a great leader and a dear friend.” Chilima was a prominent figure in Malawian politics. He was first elected vice president in 2014 and was re-elected in 2019. He was known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and his commitment to democratic reform. The plane crash is the deadliest in Malawi’s history.