Authorities in Lithuania and Germany are investigating the crash of a Swiftair-operated Boeing 737-400 cargo plane leased by DHL. The plane went down early Thursday morning near Vilnius, raising questions about possible technical failure, pilot error, or even sabotage.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft departed Leipzig, Germany, and crashed near Vilnius Airport at approximately 03:30 GMT under overcast conditions. Upon impact, it slid roughly 100 meters, striking a residential building and igniting a fire.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among residents, although 12 people were evacuated from the area as a precaution. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė expressed relief that there were no civilian casualties and assured the public of a thorough investigation.
The crash temporarily disrupted operations at Vilnius Airport, delaying flights and diverting at least one to Riga.
Could Sabotage Be a Factor?
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock raised the possibility of sabotage, pointing to recent Baltic Sea incidents involving severed undersea communication cables. “This crash might not be a simple accident but part of a broader hybrid threat,” she stated, urging a comprehensive probe.
However, Lithuania’s Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized that no evidence currently suggests sabotage or terrorism. Investigators believe it could take a week or more to determine the cause.
The crash follows parcel bomb incidents at DHL facilities in Germany, though no connection between those events and the plane crash has been identified.
Investigation Focuses on Multiple Scenarios
Lithuanian and German authorities, aided by aviation and counterintelligence experts, are exploring all possibilities. While technical failure or human error are the primary theories, terrorism has not been ruled out.
Lithuanian police reported no signs of an explosion before the crash. General Commissioner Arūnas Paulauskas stressed that the investigation remains open to all angles and will be thorough.
Broader Regional Security Concerns
The crash comes amid heightened concerns about hybrid threats in the Baltic region. Recent sabotage of undersea communication cables has underscored vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, raising alarm across Europe.
Germany is also investigating threats to its logistics network, adding urgency to regional security efforts. Both Lithuania and Germany have pledged transparency in their investigation to uncover the truth and address potential risks to regional stability.
