Heartbreaking: Military Plane Carrying Malawi Vice President, 9 Other Officials Goes Missing

On June 10, 2024, a military aircraft carrying Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other officials went missing. The plane took off from Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, at 9:17 AM but failed to reach its destination, Mzuzu International Airport. 

The scheduled landing was expected around 10:02 AM, but the aircraft did not arrive, and attempts to contact it were unsuccessful.The disappearance was first reported when aviation officials lost contact with the plane shortly after its departure. 

President Lazarus Chakwera was informed about the situation by General Valentino Phiri, the Commander of the Malawi Defence Forces. 

In response, the president ordered a comprehensive search and rescue mission. He also canceled his planned trip to the Bahamas to focus on coordinating the search efforts.

The missing aircraft was part of the Malawi Defence Force fleet. It carried Vice President Chilima along with nine other officials, whose names have not been released to the public yet. 

The incident has caused significant concern in Malawi and has drawn the attention of both national and international media.

Local authorities have mobilized all available resources to locate the aircraft and ensure the safety of those on board. Search and rescue teams are working tirelessly, combing the flight path between Lilongwe and Mzuzu. 

They are using both aerial and ground search operations to cover as much area as possible.The situation has raised many questions about the safety protocols and the condition of the military aircraft. 

While the exact cause of the disappearance remains unknown, experts are considering various possibilities, including technical failure or adverse weather conditions. 

However, no concrete information has emerged yet, and the primary focus remains on locating the aircraft and its passengers.

President Chakwera's decision to cancel his international trip underscores the gravity of the situation. 

He is closely monitoring the search efforts and has expressed his concern for Vice President Chilima and the others aboard the plane. The government has urged the public to stay calm and await official updates as the search progresses.

As of now, the whereabouts of the aircraft and its passengers remain unknown. Authorities are working around the clock, and further updates are expected as new information becomes available. 

The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families of those on board as they await news about their loved ones.