A tragic incident unfolded near Vilnius airport in Lithuania early Monday morning when a cargo plane crashed, resulting in at least one death and three injuries. The Boeing 737, operated by the Spanish cargo airline Swiftair for DHL, fell short of the runway during its final approach, striking near residential areas.
Local authorities reported that all twelve individuals who were present in a nearby house were safely evacuated following the crash. The aircraft took off from Leipzig Airport in Germany shortly after 03:00 local time and crashed approximately 90 minutes later, according to Flightradar24 data.
According to Renatas Pozela, a senior police official, the plane was landing but fell just a few kilometers prior to reaching the airport. It skidded several hundred meters before colliding with a residential building. Tragically, one crew member lost their life.
Initial investigations into the cause of the crash have yet to yield definitive conclusions. Lithuania’s Defense Minister indicated that there are no immediate signs pointing towards sabotage or terrorism. The head of police, Arunas Paulauskas, speculated that it could be due to either a technical failure or human error.
Both DHL and Lithuanian authorities have initiated separate inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Marius Baranauskas, head of Lithuania’s National Aviation Authority, noted that recordings from air traffic control revealed no alarming communications from the pilots just before the incident.
Authorities are currently examining various factors contributing to the crash. Preliminary reports suggest there was no explosion prior to impact. Weather conditions at the time indicated a temperature of 0°C (32°F) with overcast skies and winds around 30 km/h (19 mph).
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-400, was notably 31 years old, as stated by an airport spokesperson. The tragic event has raised serious concerns about aviation safety and operational protocols within the region.
As investigations unfold, this incident not only highlights potential vulnerabilities in air traffic safety but also emphasizes Lithuania’s ongoing challenges in ensuring secure transport connections amidst geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.
In light of these events, it is crucial for authorities to address any systemic issues that may contribute to aviation accidents while reinforcing protocols that protect both crew members and civilians alike.
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