Explosion on cargo plane – crashed into residential building

The cargo plane was about to land when a sudden explosion occurred. The plane crashed into a residential building near the airport in Lithuania's capital Vilnius. On board were four people, at least one died in the crash.

» Published: November 25 2024

Explosion on cargo plane – crashed into residential building
Photo: Mindaugas Kulbis/AP/TT

The plane was on its way to land and crashed a few kilometers before, says Renatas Pozela, head of the country's fire department and rescue service, according to news agencies.

It slid a few hundred meters and the wreckage got stuck in some way in a residential building. The infrastructure around the house caught fire and the building was lightly damaged, but we managed to evacuate people from there.

A surveillance camera from a nearby company shows how the plane makes a seemingly normal approach. But suddenly an explosion occurs, turning it into a large ball of fire, reports AP. The actual detonation was not caught on camera, as the plane's body was hidden by a building.

The crash occurred early on Monday. Hours later, plane parts were scattered around and a large gathering of police and rescue workers were on site, according to local media.

The damaged house is reported to be two stories high and located in an area that is not densely populated. A fierce fire broke out after the crash.

To the hospital

At least one of the four on board, one of the pilots, died, according to the news site Delfi. The other pilot is said to have been conscious when he was taken to the hospital. Two more crew members are reported to be injured but alive.

There are no reports of injuries in the residential building, which has four apartments. Twelve people were evacuated, according to the police.

The plane belonged to DHL's subcontractor Swiftair and had flown from German Leipzig. According to DHL, the plane was attempting an emergency landing when the accident occurred.

"The crew's status is being clarified, but our thoughts are with them and their families," says a statement from the transport company.

Russian sabotage?

What lies behind the crash is unclear, and an investigation has been initiated, according to DHL.

European security sources have recently warned that Russian agents may try to smuggle in flammable objects on cargo planes, following several incidents with packages catching fire, something that The Washington Post has reported on. Lithuania is said to have been central in attempts to send flammable or explosive packages, writes The Wall Street Journal.

The events are believed to be part of a Russian sabotage campaign against NATO countries that have sent aid to Ukraine during the Russian war of aggression, according to sources. Russia has denied involvement.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Russian Envoy Dmitrijev to Meet
1 MIN READ

Russian Envoy Dmitrijev to Meet US Officials in Washington Talks

Genre image
1 MIN READ

Russian Drone Strike Injures Three in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Cory Booker Sets Senate Record
3 MIN READ

Cory Booker Sets Senate Record with 24-Hour Speech Against Trump

Trump Adviser Faces Scrutiny Over
2 MIN READ

Trump Adviser Faces Scrutiny Over Private Email Use in Security Role

Zelenskyj Seeks Support for Potential
1 MIN READ

Zelenskyj Seeks Support for Potential Peacekeeping Forces in Ukraine

Denmark Sets 18-Year Age Limit
1 MIN READ

Denmark Sets 18-Year Age Limit for High-Alcohol Drinks

Le Pen Awaits Appeal Verdict
2 MIN READ

Le Pen Awaits Appeal Verdict on 2027 Election Ban Next Summer

Fourth Missing US Soldier Found
1 MIN READ

Fourth Missing US Soldier Found Dead in Lithuania

Russian Advances in Eastern Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Russian Advances in Eastern Ukraine Slow for Fourth Month

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Danish
1 MIN READ

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Danish Farm, 24 Chickens Culled

23 States Sue Trump Administration
2 MIN READ

23 States Sue Trump Administration Over Health Funding Cuts

Europol Set for Expansion in
1 MIN READ

Europol Set for Expansion in New EU Security Strategy

Search Continues for Missing Plane
1 MIN READ

Search Continues for Missing Plane in Norway with Two Feared Dead

Trump's First Foreign Trip as
1 MIN READ

Trump's First Foreign Trip as President: Saudi Arabia and Beyond

Danish Police Arrest 10 Bandidos
1 MIN READ

Danish Police Arrest 10 Bandidos Gang Members at Sejet Inn

German EU Politician Faces Probe
1 MIN READ

German EU Politician Faces Probe Over Controversial Nazi Greeting Post

EU Eyes Boosting Eastern Infrastructure
1 MIN READ

EU Eyes Boosting Eastern Infrastructure for Defense and Development

23 States Sue Trump Administration
2 MIN READ

23 States Sue Trump Administration Over $11 Billion Health Cuts

Israel Sets Record for Palestinian
3 MIN READ

Israel Sets Record for Palestinian Home Demolitions in West Bank

Red Cross Faces Deadliest Attack
2 MIN READ

Red Cross Faces Deadliest Attack in Eight Years During Gaza Conflict

Georgia Approves US-Inspired Agent Law
1 MIN READ

Georgia Approves US-Inspired Agent Law After Criticism

Scottish Fisherman Missing Since 2021
1 MIN READ

Scottish Fisherman Missing Since 2021 Identified on Norwegian Coast

Ukraine Election Preparations Denied by
1 MIN READ

Ukraine Election Preparations Denied by Zelenskyj's Party Leader

Genre image
1 MIN READ

Norwegian Man Gets Life for Murdering Finnish Hockey Star Janne Puhakka

Denmark Sees Highest Wolf Population
1 MIN READ

Denmark Sees Highest Wolf Population in Modern History

USA and Ukraine Resume Talks
1 MIN READ

USA and Ukraine Resume Talks on Key Mineral Agreement

Finland Prepares to Exit Ottawa
1 MIN READ

Finland Prepares to Exit Ottawa Treaty on Personal Mines

Denmark Boosts Defense with 130
1 MIN READ

Denmark Boosts Defense with 130 New Armored Vehicles from Finland

Media Worker Killed in Gaza
1 MIN READ

Media Worker Killed in Gaza as Evacuations Ordered in the North

Palestinian Teen Dies in Israeli
2 MIN READ

Palestinian Teen Dies in Israeli Prison After Six Months Without Charge

Bardella Slams Le Pen Verdict
1 MIN READ

Bardella Slams Le Pen Verdict as Politically Driven in EU Funds Case

Iceland's Grindavík Evacuated as Lava
2 MIN READ

Iceland's Grindavík Evacuated as Lava Flows from New Eruption

Woman Rescued 91 Hours After
3 MIN READ

Woman Rescued 91 Hours After Myanmar Earthquake Kills 2,700

UNICEF Reports Over 300 Children
1 MIN READ

UNICEF Reports Over 300 Children Killed in Gaza in Recent Conflict

145 Injured in Massive Gas
2 MIN READ

145 Injured in Massive Gas Pipeline Fire Near Kuala Lumpur

Netanyahu Reconsiders Shin Bet Appointment
2 MIN READ

Netanyahu Reconsiders Shin Bet Appointment After US Criticism

SpaceX Rocket Launches First Norwegian
2 MIN READ

SpaceX Rocket Launches First Norwegian to Space in 46-Minute Polar Journey

Løkke and Rubio to Discuss
1 MIN READ

Løkke and Rubio to Discuss US-Denmark Tensions Over Greenland

China to Engage in Peace
1 MIN READ

China to Engage in Peace Efforts for Ukraine Conflict Resolution

EU Criticizes China's Military Drills
2 MIN READ

EU Criticizes China's Military Drills Near Taiwan