A tragic aviation accident occurred early on the morning of November 25, 2024, when a DHL cargo aircraft crashed into a residential area near Vilnius Airport (VNO) in Lithuania. The Boeing 737-400 cargo plane, en route from Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) in Germany, crashed around 03:30 CET (05:28 EET) shortly before it was scheduled to land at Vilnius.
The Crash
The aircraft was carrying four people onboard at the time of the crash: two pilots and two DHL employees. According to FlightAware, the cargo plane had taken off from Leipzig/Halle Airport at approximately 03:08 CET. Early reports suggest that the aircraft was attempting to return to Vilnius Airport after an issue arose during the flight, although the precise nature of the problem is still under investigation.
The plane crashed in a residential area on Žirnių Street, approximately 2.5 km from the runway of Vilnius International Airport. The crash site was reported to be a two-story residential building. Delfi Plus, a local news outlet, reported that the impact caused a significant fire to break out in the building, further complicating rescue operations.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. According to the Fire Protection and Rescue Department, rescuers managed to extricate the pilot from the cockpit, who was reported to have regained consciousness. Two other individuals onboard the plane were also taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment. Tragically, one of the passengers was confirmed dead at the scene.
The Lithuanian authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with a particular focus on the aircraft’s distress signals and whether any technical issues contributed to the incident. The area around Žirnių Street remains cordoned off as investigators and emergency personnel continue to assess the crash site.
Community Impact
The crash has caused significant shock and distress in the local community, especially given that it occurred in a populated residential area. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties on the ground. The building where the plane crashed was damaged, but it remains unclear if it was occupied at the time of the crash.
The Vilnius Fire Department and emergency services worked overnight to secure the site, contain the fire, and assist in the recovery process. Local residents have expressed concern about the proximity of the crash to the city’s residential areas, with many questioning the safety protocols in place for flights approaching the airport.
Investigation Underway
The Lithuanian Civil Aviation Administration (LCAA), along with experts from Eurocontrol and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities are expected to focus on the aircraft’s flight path, any mechanical failures, and the pilot’s decision-making process during the emergency landing attempt.
This incident marks another aviation disaster involving cargo planes in densely populated areas, raising concerns over aviation safety and the risks posed to communities located near airports.
DHL’s Statement
DHL, the global logistics company that operates the aircraft, has issued a statement expressing deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those involved in the crash. The company confirmed the involvement of two of its employees on the flight and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. DHL also extended support to the local community in the wake of the disaster.
Conclusion
The crash of the DHL cargo aircraft near Vilnius Airport is a devastating reminder of the risks involved in aviation, particularly in densely populated urban areas. As authorities work to uncover the causes of the accident, the immediate focus remains on providing support to those affected and ensuring the safety of air travel in the region.
Further updates on the investigation are expected as experts piece together the events that led to this tragic loss of life.
References:
- Aerotime Hub. (2024). DHL cargo plane crashes in residential area near Vilnius Airport, four dead. Link to the article
- Delfi Plus. (2024). DHL Plane Crash in Vilnius: Fire Breaks Out in Residential Building.
- FlightAware. (2024). Tracking Data: DHL Cargo Flight from Leipzig to Vilnius.
