Malawi's Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and nine other people lost their lives in a plane crash in a forest in the northern part of the country, the president said Tuesday.

President Lazarus Chakwera announced the news, stating: "The plane has been discovered, and it is with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you all that it has resulted in a terrible tragedy. The search and rescue team found it completely destroyed with no survivors."

Chilima and nine others were flying within the country on Monday morning when their plane—a military aircraft—disappeared from airport radars.

The aircraft departed from Lilongwe at 09:17 a.m. (0717 GMT), scheduled to arrive at Mzuzu Airport at 10:02 a.m.

The group was traveling to attend the funeral of a former minister.

Moments before air traffic control lost contact with the plane, it told the pilot to turn back to Lilongwe because of bad weather in Mzuzu.

Over 200 soldiers were deployed for the search and rescue operation following the President's directive. The wreckage was found in the Chikangawa Forest.

Chilima's wife and seven military officers are among the dead.

President Chakwera extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by the tragedy, acknowledging the profound grief that accompanies such loss.

Reflecting on Chilima's legacy, President Chakwera remembered him as a prominent and courageous leader, and an inspiration to the nation. He described Chilima as a devoted family man and patriot, expressing gratitude for their years of collaboration.

"A good man, a devoted father and husband. He is a patriotic citizen who serves his country. It is the greatest honor of my life to have had him as a deputy and councilor for the past four years", said the president.

The Malawi Office of the President led a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Chilima, his wife and the military officials. 

According to initial reports from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Chilima faced graft allegations in 2022. However, a Malawian court dismissed Chilima’s corruption charges after the prosecutors dropped the charges last month.

Chilima was considered a potential candidate in the upcoming elections.