Disturbing new footage has surfaced showing a DHL cargo plane’s final moments before crashing into a residential area in Lithuania, erupting into a massive fireball. Chillingly, audio recordings reveal that the pilots did not issue any alarms during the attempted landing.
Tragic Final Moments
CCTV captured the Boeing 737-400 descending rapidly before clipping a two-story residential building near Vilnius Airport around 5:30 a.m. The impact sparked an explosion, with the wreckage eventually crashing into nearby woodland. The Lithuanian fire and emergency services confirmed that the pilot died instantly, two crew members were injured, and one remains missing.
Video footage shows the plane turning on its side before hitting the building. Sparks from the impact triggered a massive blast, sending black smoke and towering flames into the sky. The explosion was visible from miles away, filling the morning air with a devastating flash of light.
Mysterious Circumstances
Lithuanian officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash amid growing fears of Russian interference. Authorities suspect a possible sabotage campaign following similar incidents linked to magnesium firebombs planted on cargo planes in Europe.
Audio from the air traffic control exchange revealed no signs of panic or distress from the crew. The pilot calmly communicated about descending to 4,000 feet, then 2,700 feet, before clearance to land was granted. Contact was lost shortly after, and the plane disappeared from radar.
Casualties and Evacuations
Upon impact, the aircraft’s explosion forced the evacuation of nearby residents. Renatas Pozela, head of Lithuania’s firefighting and emergency services, stated: “We were fortunate the plane hit the yard and not the house directly.” While most residents escaped unharmed, the crew’s fate remains a top concern.
“We confirm one fatality,” Pozela said. “Two crew members were rescued alive, and one is still missing.”
Anti-Terror Investigation Underway
Authorities are examining the plane’s black box and interviewing survivors. Speculation of Russian sabotage has intensified, with recent intelligence pointing to firebombing attempts on cargo planes. Lithuanian army chief Raimundas Vaikšnoras acknowledged the military’s involvement in the investigation but refrained from commenting until more evidence is available.
“These provocations, such as GPS signal blocking, have happened before,” Vaikšnoras noted. “We must wait for the black box data to draw definitive conclusions.”
Recent Sabotage Attempts
Concerns stem from incidents earlier this year involving magnesium incendiaries disguised as “personal massagers” in DHL cargo. Devices exploded at terminals in Birmingham, UK, and Leipzig, Germany, prompting fears of a broader campaign. Intelligence suggests these attempts could be trial runs for state-sponsored attacks targeting international cargo routes.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The devastating crash has left Lithuania grappling with safety concerns and fears of sabotage. As investigators work to uncover the cause, officials urge patience, emphasizing the importance of thorough analysis. The black box recordings will likely provide critical answers in the coming weeks.
While the exact cause remains uncertain, this tragedy has underscored the need for heightened security measures amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Families of the victims and residents affected by the crash await clarity as the investigation continues.
