In a tragic aviation incident, a DHL cargo aircraft crashed near Vilnius Airport, Lithuania, on Saturday. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft attempted to land amid challenging weather conditions. Emergency services rushed to the scene as the airport suspended operations temporarily to ensure safety and facilitate rescue efforts.
Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft was on a scheduled cargo delivery route and encountered severe turbulence before descending near the airport perimeter. The plane, a Boeing 737 freighter, was carrying essential cargo but no passengers. The crew’s condition remains unclear as authorities have yet to confirm casualties or injuries.
Local fire brigades and medical teams were deployed immediately to contain the situation. Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke rising near the crash site, with some speculating that the aircraft may have experienced technical difficulties during its final approach.
The airport released a statement expressing deep concern over the incident and confirmed a full investigation is underway. The airstrip reopened later for limited operations, prioritizing emergency and humanitarian flights.
DHL expressed its commitment to cooperating with Lithuanian authorities and aviation investigators to uncover the cause of the crash. Safety is our top priority, and we are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts are with the crew and their families, the company stated.
Lithuania’s aviation authorities and international experts are collaborating to retrieve flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Investigators are examining whether the crash resulted from mechanical failure, human error, or adverse weather conditions.
Vilnius Airport resumed partial operations hours after the crash, although delays and cancellations affected numerous flights. DHL has redirected its cargo flights in the region to minimize disruption.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of aviation and underscores the importance of safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
