Authorities Launch Urgent Search and Rescue Operation
Lilongwe, Malawi – A military aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima has gone missing after failing to make a scheduled landing at Mzuzu International Airport. The plane, which departed from the capital city of Lilongwe at 9:17 a.m. local time, was expected to arrive at its destination 45 minutes later but never reached the airport.
Contact with the aircraft was lost shortly after it went off radar, and all attempts to reestablish communication have been unsuccessful so far. President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the missing plane and its occupants.The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Malawi Police Service (MPS) have mobilized their resources to aid in the search efforts. Helicopters and ground teams have been deployed to scour the area between Lilongwe and Mzuzu, where the plane was last detected.“We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Vice President Chilima and all those on board the aircraft,” said President Chakwera in a statement. “Our top priority is to find the plane and ensure that everyone is safe. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to coordinate the search and rescue operation.”
The cause of the plane’s disappearance remains unknown at this time. The aircraft was a military transport plane, and its flight path was a routine one that Vice President Chilima often takes.In light of the ongoing crisis, President Chakwera has canceled his planned trip to the Bahamas and is closely monitoring the situation from the State House in Lilongwe. The nation has been urged to remain calm and to pray for the safe return of the Vice President and the other passengers.“We are doing everything in our power to locate the missing plane and bring our loved ones home safely,” said the President. “We ask for the continued support and prayers of the Malawian people during this difficult time.”
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.