DHL Cargo Plane Crash: 1 Dead, 3 Injured
A DHL cargo plane tragically crashed early Monday near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, claiming the life of a Spanish crew member and injuring three others onboard, authorities confirmed.
The Boeing 737, operated by Madrid-based contractor Swiftair, was nearing the airport when the accident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time. The flight had departed from Leipzig, Germany, a major logistics hub, and was carrying four crew members.
Surveillance footage captured the plane descending for landing before disappearing behind a building. Moments later, a massive fireball erupted into the sky. The video did not capture the precise moment of impact but showed the dramatic aftermath.
In a statement to the Associated Press, DHL said the aircraft “made a forced landing” approximately half a mile from Vilnius Airport. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately, but despite their efforts, one crew member lost their life. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The cause of the crash remains unclear, and an investigation is underway. Lithuanian aviation authorities, along with experts from Swiftair and DHL, are working to determine what went wrong. Weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot actions will all be analyzed in the coming days.
“This is a tragic day for everyone involved,” DHL said in a statement, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and support for the injured. The incident has shaken the cargo aviation community and raised questions about safety protocols in challenging conditions.
Vilnius Airport temporarily suspended operations following the crash but has since resumed, with officials urging patience as they ensure the safety of all ongoing flights.