A DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius airport yesterday, November 25, resulting in one death and three injuries. According to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, it could potentially be an act of sabotage or an accident. The incident, which occurred as the plane approached the Lithuanian capital, has prompted speculation and investigations.
Witnesses described a dramatic scene with explosions and fire following the crash. The plane reportedly slid over 100 meters before striking a house and igniting a blaze. Twelve residents were evacuated safely, and rescue operations continued into the morning.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Baerbock suggested the possibility of deliberate interference, referencing recent incidents in the Baltic Sea where cable damage was suspected to be sabotage.
The Lithuanian authorities have refrained from connecting the crash to other investigations, such as earlier fires caused by incendiary devices hidden in DHL parcels in Germany. Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasised that no current evidence links the crash to sabotage or terrorism, noting the investigation could take about a week.
German officials are coordinating with Lithuanian counterparts, launching their own inquiries into the cause. The plane, a Boeing 737-400 operated by Swiftair for DHL, had departed Leipzig, Germany, before crashing in overcast conditions around 03:30 GMT.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė urged patience, stressing the importance of thorough investigations over speculation. She highlighted that, despite the crash occurring in a residential area, no local residents were harmed.
Source: www.theguardian.com