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.
