In a tragic incident, the Malawian vice president and nine others perished in a plane crash.
A plane disappeared after it couldn't land at the Mzuzu International Airport, which is located approximately 380 km (240 miles) from the capital, Lilongwe. The wreckage of the plane was found on Tuesday, according to President Lazarus Chakwera.
"The search and rescue operation I ordered to find the missing plane that carried our vice president and nine others has come to an end. The plane has been located. I'm deeply saddened and sorry to announce that this operation has turned into a devastating disaster," Chakwera declared.
He revealed that the aircraft was discovered "completely destroyed" in the Chikangawa Forest. "It's difficult to find words for just how heartbreaking this situation is," he added.
Chakwera paid his respects to his deputy, calling him "a good man, a devoted father and husband, and a patriotic citizen who served his country with honor."
Chilima, who is 51 years old, returned to Malawi on June 6th after attending the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul.
Earlier in the day, the Malawi Defence Force deployed drones and over 200 soldiers to search for the plane at the Chikangawa Forest reserve. "Rescue operations have been delayed due to unfavorable weather," said Force Commander Paul Valentino Phiri.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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The plane that carried Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others crashed in Africa, specifically in the Chikangawa Forest, according to President Lazarus Chakwera. Despite international efforts, this tragic incident on African soil has left a deep impact on the world.
