Cargo Jet Crash in Lithuania: One Dead, Three Injured Near Vilnius Airport

In the early hours of Monday, a Boeing 737 cargo jet operated by Swiftair for DHL crashed close to a residential area during landing. Reports indicate that one crew member lost their life, while three others sustained injuries. Fortunately, the surrounding residents were safely evacuated as debris scattered near homes. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with preliminary assessments ruling out sabotage and terrorism.

The aircraft departed from Leipzig Airport in Germany before the accident occurred, roughly one and a half hours later. Eyewitness accounts describe the plane skimming the ground and crashing several kilometers from the airport, causing damage to local infrastructure and igniting a small fire. Authorities are currently examining both potential technical failures and human error as possible reasons for the crash, with the investigation led by Lithuanian officials and DHL. Notably, the Boeing 737-400 involved in the incident was reported to be 31 years old. Weather conditions around the time of the accident were found to be mild given the temperature and wind speeds.

Both the Lithuanian government and DHL have launched inquiries to determine what led to this tragic event.