Malawi News

2 die, 1 survives Nkhotakota plane crash

2 die, 1 survives Nkhotakota plane crash

By Innocent Chunga:

Nkhotakota District Hospital Wednesday confirmed that two people died and one survived after a Cessna crashed into Lake Malawi on Tuesday.

The plane crashed in Chioza Village, Senior Chief Mwadzama, in the district.

Nkhotakota District Hospital Director of Health Services Jacob Kafulafula identified the deceased as pilot Fungay Jonathan, 50, who was from Zimbabwe.

“The other one is Frisco Westheim, 29, from the Netherlands,” Kafulafula said.

He said Charlotte Lemstra, 22, survived the accident.

“She is Westheim’s widow and comes from the Netherlands,” he said.

He added that the survivor is in stable condition and that she is receiving medical care at the hospital.

Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule has said the government would institute investigations into the issue to establish what really caused the accident.

She made the remarks after visiting the survivor in hospital Wednesday.

“I have some information about the plane crash but I cannot explain to the public now but relevant authorities will investigate the matter,” Kamtukule said.

She commended people of Chioza Village for rescuing the survivor during the incident.

Our sources have confined in us that the pilot of the plane lost consciousness during the fight, prompting Frisco Westheim to direct the plane to Lake Malawi.

The plane was on its way to Makhanga at Liwonde in Machinga District after departing Tongole in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

In a statement released on Thursday, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said the plane, a C210, registration 7QPFU, belongs to Nyasa Express Company.