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

Ben-Gvir's Return to Temple Mount
1 MIN READ

Ben-Gvir's Return to Temple Mount Sparks Controversy

Greece Plans 25 Billion Euro
1 MIN READ

Greece Plans 25 Billion Euro Boost to Defense by 2036

Houthi Movement Reports Fatalities in
1 MIN READ

Houthi Movement Reports Fatalities in Alleged US Airstrikes in Yemen

Sperm Whale Found Dead on
1 MIN READ

Sperm Whale Found Dead on Danish Beach Near Aarhus

Argentina Opens Secret Files on
1 MIN READ

Argentina Opens Secret Files on Nazi Refugees and Their Financiers

Suspected Worst Rapist in UK
1 MIN READ

Suspected Worst Rapist in UK History Faces New Allegations

Liberal Judge Susan Crawford Wins
2 MIN READ

Liberal Judge Susan Crawford Wins Key Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

Man Rescued Alive in Myanmar
2 MIN READ

Man Rescued Alive in Myanmar 5 Days After Earthquake Devastation

Israel Expands Gaza Offensive with
3 MIN READ

Israel Expands Gaza Offensive with New Strikes and Ground Movements

Frederiksen Visits Greenland as Concerns
2 MIN READ

Frederiksen Visits Greenland as Concerns Over US Interest Persist

China Conducts Military Drills Near
2 MIN READ

China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan, Escalating Tensions

White House Evaluates Economic Impact
2 MIN READ

White House Evaluates Economic Impact of Potential Greenland Acquisition

WWII Codebreaker Charlotte Webb, Honored
2 MIN READ

WWII Codebreaker Charlotte Webb, Honored by Queen, Dies at 101

Russian Envoy Dmitrijev Eyes Washington
1 MIN READ

Russian Envoy Dmitrijev Eyes Washington Visit for Key Talks

Russian Drone Strikes in Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Russian Drone Strikes in Ukraine Leave One Dead, Thousands Without Power

Cory Booker's 25-Hour Senate Speech
3 MIN READ

Cory Booker's 25-Hour Senate Speech Sets Record in Trump Protest

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