In an unfortunate twist of fate, Dr. Malawi’s Vice President faced a devastating situation. Saulos Chilima and his spouse, accompanied by seven military officers and one more individual, met a tragic death in a plane accident.
The event took place on June 10, 2024, when the aircraft of the Malawi Defense Force, which had Chilima and nine other individuals onboard, disappeared. The aircraft took off from the capital city of Lilongwe at 9:17 in the morning. The flight is scheduled to arrive at Mzuzu International Airport in northern Malawi at the local time.
Nevertheless, because of unfavorable weather conditions leading to limited visibility, the airplane was instructed to go back to Lilongwe. Regrettably, communication was severed, and the aircraft vanished from the radar. President Lazarus Chakwera promptly initiated a search and rescue mission by seeking assistance from both local and regional organizations.
Angola and other nearby nations offered assistance by supplying helicopters and drones to assist in the search operations. After an exhaustive investigation, the remains of the airplane were discovered in a wooded region within the Chikangawa mountain range.
Unfortunately, everyone aboard lost their lives in the accident, which includes Vice President Chilima, his spouse, and the seven military personnel. President Chakwera has announced a day for the entire country to mourn, and the nation is experiencing a profound sense of sorrow and disbelief. Chilima, who may run as a candidate in next year’s presidential election, was highly adored by the Malawian population, especially the youth.
This unfortunate incident acts as a prompt to remember how delicate life is and how valuable it is to appreciate our leaders and loved ones. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the families and individuals of Malawi who are facing a challenging period.