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Bad weather blamed for Malawi VP's crash

Larona Makhaiza | Tuesday June 11, 2024 16:08

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has said the aircraft crash that left Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and nine others dead, was a result of bad weather. Chakwera stated that the aircraft that crashed was in good shape as it has a history of successful flights.
 
Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has said the aircraft crash that left Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and nine others dead, was a result of bad weather. Chakwera stated that the aircraft that crashed was in good shape as it has a history of successful flights.

“That aircraft is an aircraft I myself have used on similar trips, an aircraft that others had used just the day before and an aircraft that the crew had operated successfully just hours before,” he said.

He added: “And yet despite the track record of the aircraft and the experience of the crew, something terrible went down with that aircraft on its flight back to Lilongwe, sending it crashing down and killing everyone on board and leaving us devastated and asking ourselves questions whose answers cannot take away the pain and helplessness we feel from this loss,” the President said.

Reports indicate the military plane could not land in Mzuzu due to bad weather and the crew was advised to return to base which happened to be the last communication from the aircraft before the crash, as per Malawi24 media outlet.

Chakwera stated that his nation is in a sombre mood after establishing that his right-hand man is no more. “Words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is, and I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you all must be feeling at this time, as well as, how much pain and anguish you all will be feeling in the coming days and weeks, as we mourn this terrible loss,” Chakwera said.