Lilongwe, (12 June 2024) –The East African country of Malawi has announced 21 days of state mourning following the tragic death of ten people, including Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, in a plane crash. The Indian Express reported the government's announcement on Wednesday, June 12.

The Malawian government confirmed that Vice President Chilima’s funeral would be conducted with full state honors. The remains of those killed in the crash of a Zambian military plane have been transported to the capital, Lilongwe.

The plane, which was carrying Vice President Chilima, crashed in a mountainous region in the northern part of Malawi on Monday, June 10. The wreckage was discovered the following day. Among the ten passengers who died were the vice president and a former first lady.

In response to the tragedy, the country observed a day of mourning. Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima was considered a potential candidate in the upcoming presidential elections in Malawi.

The extended period of mourning reflects the deep impact of the loss on the nation and the high regard in which the late vice president was held. The government has urged all citizens to respect the mourning period and pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.