Malawi vice president, nine others die after plane crashes in dense forest

A plane carrying Malawi Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima crashed in a dense forest, killing Chilima and all nine others aboard, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera said Tuesday during an address to the nation.

The plane disappeared from radar early Monday, but the search and rescue operations were hampered by foggy weather around the Chikangawa forest, authorities said.

"I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform you all that it has turned out to be at terrible tragedy," Chakwera said. "The search and rescue team has found the aircraft … completely destroyed with no survivors as all passengers on board will killed on impact."

Chilima had been considered a likely candidate to challenge Chakwera in next year's presidential election.