By Burnett Munthali
In a somber update from Nkhotakota, Dr. Jacob Kafulafula, the head of Nkhotakota District Hospital, has confirmed the tragic deaths of two individuals in a recent plane crash. The accident, which occurred last night, involved a plane traveling between Zimbabwe and the Netherlands. The deceased are identified as Fungay Jonathan, a 50-year-old pilot from Zimbabwe, and Frisco Westheim, a 29-year-old passenger from the Netherlands. One person, Charlotte Lemstra, a 22-year-old from the Netherlands, survived the crash, although her husband perished.
Dr. Kafulafula reports that the bodies of the deceased are being held at Nkhotakota District Hospital. Initial reports suggest that the crash happened during a period when the aircraft was experiencing turbulence. The plane was reportedly en route from a tourist area near Nkhotakota’s protected forest to Liwonde in Machinga District.
Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule is expected to arrive in Nkhotakota shortly to address the situation and offer support in the wake of the accident. The crash has cast a shadow over the local community, which had been welcoming tourists to the region’s natural attractions.
