Lilongwe, Malawi — Vice President Saulos Chilima, 51, and nine others died in a tragic plane crash in northern Malawi, President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed on Tuesday. The small military plane carrying Chilima and his delegation was en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu when it crashed in bad weather in the Chikangawa Forest near Mzuzu, leaving no survivors.
The wreckage, found after an extensive 24-hour search, revealed the plane was “completely destroyed” upon impact. The deceased include members of Chilima’s staff, security detail, and former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri. The delegation was traveling to attend a funeral when they were advised to turn back due to poor visibility. The plane lost contact and disappeared from radar shortly after.
President Chakwera expressed profound grief, describing Chilima as a dedicated public servant and patriot. The remains of the victims are being transported to Lilongwe.