A plane carrying Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine others has lost contact with aviation officials, triggering a search and rescue operation.
The Malawi Defense Force aircraft departed from the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning but went off the radar shortly after takeoff. It was scheduled to land at Mzuzu International Airport in the north of the country at 10:00 local time (11:00 BST).
President Lazarus Chakwera has cancelled his trip to the Bahamas to oversee the search efforts. The President’s office has confirmed the incident and assured the public that a thorough search operation is underway.
The missing aircraft was carrying ten people, including the Vice-President and military personnel. Aviation officials have attempted to reestablish contact but have been unsuccessful so far.
The search operation is being led by the Malawi Defense Force, with support from regional and national agencies. The country remains on high alert as the search continues.
The cause of the disappearance is still unknown, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are urging the public to remain calm and await further updates.
The incident has sparked concern across the country, with many taking to social media to pray for the safe return of the Vice-President and those on board.
