A DHL cargo plane crash near Vilnius airport that killed one crew member and injured three others is being investigated as a possible sabotage incident, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
The Boeing 737-400 cargo aircraft, operated by Swiftair on behalf of DHL, crashed into a residential area approximately one kilometer from Vilnius airport during its approach in the early hours of Monday. The plane had departed from Leipzig, Germany.
"We must now seriously ask ourselves whether this was an accident or whether it was another hybrid incident," Baerbock told reporters, referring to recent suspicious incidents in the region.
However, Lithuanian authorities have taken a more cautious stance. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas stated there was currently no evidence suggesting sabotage or terrorism, noting that the investigation could take about a week to complete.
The crash resulted in the death of a Spanish crew member, while three others - Spanish, German and Lithuanian nationals - were injured. The aircraft hit several buildings as it skidded several hundred meters, setting a residential building ablaze. Twelve residents were safely evacuated from the affected area.
Lithuanian counter-intelligence chief Darius Jauniškis acknowledged that while terrorism cannot be ruled out given Russia's increasingly aggressive behavior, it was too early to make any attributions.
The incident comes amid ongoing investigations into several fires at DHL warehouses in Germany earlier this year. Additionally, Lithuanian authorities recently conducted arrests related to the sending of incendiary devices on western-bound planes.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius later clarified that there were "no findings" suggesting an explosive charge on the aircraft.
Investigators are examining multiple potential causes, including technical failure and human error. Both German and Lithuanian authorities are working together to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has urged against speculation, emphasizing the need to allow investigators time to conduct a thorough and professional investigation.