The head of Nkhotakota District Hospital, Dr. Jacob Kafulafula, has confirmed that two people who died in a plane crash in the district yesterday were citizens of Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.
Dr. Kafulafula identified the deceased as Fungay Jonathan, a 50-year-old Zimbabwean who was piloting the plane, and Frisco Westheim, a 29-year-old Dutch national. One person survived the crash.
The survivor is 22-year-old Charlotte Lemstra from the Netherlands, whose husband died in the accident.
Dr. Kafulafula mentioned that the bodies of the deceased are being kept at Nkhotakota District Hospital.
The victims were reportedly tourists visiting Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve and were on their way to Liwonde in Machinga District.
Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule stated that the government will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the plane crash, which occurred in Lake Malawi yesterday near Nkhotakota.
Minister Kamtukule, who visited Nkhotakota District Hospital to see Charlotte Lemstra, said the survivor has shared some details about the incident but is unable to disclose much at this time.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the care Lemstra is receiving at the hospital, as well as the support provided by various groups, including the African Parks organization.
Reports indicate that the pilot lost consciousness while the plane was in the air, and one of the passengers, Frisco Westheim, attempted to land it in the lake.