CONFIRMED: Malawi Vice President Chilima, nine others killed in plane crash

MALAWI:Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima along with 9 others were killed in plane crash on Tuesday, the Office of the President and Cabinet has confirmed.

A statement issued by the office on Tuesday morning stated that the aircraft, which was carrying the Vice President, Dr Saulon Chelima, and nine others, was found this morning in the Chikangawa forest and added that “Unfortunately all on board have perished in the crash.”

The search and rescue operation which was launched immediately after the aircraft went off the radar, has been conducted by various agencies, including the Malawi Defense Force, the Police Service, and the Department of Civil Aviation

“His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chalovera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has been informed of the tragic outcome and has expressed the deepest condolences to the families of the Vice President and all those who have lost their lives in the tragic incident,” it added.

On the other development, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a national day of mourning and has ordered that all flags fly at half-mast from today (Tuesday) until the day of the funeral.

The office assured the general public that further updates as more information becomes available.