A tragic plane crash occurred early Monday morning near the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius when a DHL cargo aircraft crashed into a two-story house, killing at least one person. The incident took place just before 5:30 a.m. local time, when the Boeing 737, which had departed from Leipzig, Germany, failed to make a safe landing at Vilnius International Airport.
The plane, operated by Madrid-based Swiftair and flying under the DHL banner, made a turn north of the airport, reportedly lining up for a landing. However, it crashed approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) short of the runway, impacting a residential area. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and two individuals were taken to the hospital. Sadly, one of them was later pronounced dead.
The Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT reported the devastating crash, citing an emergency official who confirmed the fatality. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash, though weather conditions at the time were challenging, with freezing temperatures, cloudy skies, and winds reaching 30 km/h (18 mph).
DHL, headquartered in Bonn, Germany, has not commented on the incident, and Swiftair, the contractor operating the aircraft, has also been unavailable for immediate statements. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737, which was 31 years old. While considered an older airframe, such aircraft are often used for cargo flights.
The crash occurred in a residential neighborhood near the airport, raising concerns about the safety protocols in place for flight paths near populated areas. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with authorities focusing on the aircraft’s flight path, the weather conditions, and potential mechanical issues.
This devastating incident highlights the risks associated with air travel, particularly in cargo operations. The crash also raises further questions about the safety of aging aircraft and the systems in place to prevent accidents in densely populated areas near airports. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the incident, and more updates are awaited.
Sources By Agencies
