What is known so far about the DHL plane that crashed in Lithuania and the hypotheses of sabotage?

The tranquil morning life of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was abruptly disrupted on Monday by a tragic plane crash that has left the nation and the international community with numerous unanswered questions. A DHL cargo plane, a Boeing 737 operated by the Spanish company Swiftair, crashed while attempting to land under complicated conditions, resulting in a devastating toll: one dead and three injured.

The accident occurred at 5:30 AM when the aircraft was flying from Leipzig, Germany, with four crew members on board. According to initial reports, the impact resulted in the death of a Spanish citizen, while three others, of Spanish, German, and Lithuanian nationalities, sustained injuries of varying severity. Despite the tragedy, nearby residents were saved thanks to the quick evacuation of their homes, which suffered minor damage due to the collision.

Data provided by FlightRadar24 indicates that the Boeing 737 turned north of the airport to align with the runway, but for reasons still unknown, it crashed just over 1.5 kilometers from its final destination. Images from the accident show debris from the yellow DHL fuselage scattered in a wooded area and smoke rising from a nearby structure, reflecting the violence of the impact.

Surveillance video captured the descent of the plane, which initially appeared controlled until, after the impact, it transformed into a fireball. However, details about the exact moment of the collision remain unclear, leading authorities to carefully consider all possible causes of the disaster.

The Lithuanian Minister of Defense, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, has stated that no evidence of external damage that could have affected the aircraft before the collision has been found. Nevertheless, he emphasized the need to analyze the statements of survivors and the information gathered from the black box to determine the true causes of the accident. This meticulous investigation is accompanied by growing concern over the possibility that it may be an act of sabotage.

Statements from Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, have added a disturbing nuance to the incident. She suggested that the accident could be investigated under the category of "hybrid incident," a term that refers to unconventional actions that may include acts of sabotage. This context is particularly relevant in Europe, where there has been an increase in reports of incendiary and explosive packages linked to suspicious networks associated with Russia.

Suspicious activity is not limited to Lithuania; in recent weeks, both Lithuania and Poland have carried out arrests of individuals allegedly planning acts of sabotage. Although the head of Lithuanian intelligence, Darius Jauniškis, has insisted that, so far, there is no concrete evidence linking Russia to the accident, he has also noted that the possibility of terrorism cannot be ruled out.

In light of this complex situation, the German Ministry of Transport has sent experts from the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation to assist in the inquiries. Meanwhile, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has called for caution, urging against premature speculation and assuring that authorities are committed to thoroughly analyzing all the evidence.

As investigations continue, there is a particular focus on the survivors, who are receiving medical attention and psychological support following the trauma of the accident. Rescue teams and aviation experts are working tirelessly to assess the wreckage of the aircraft and clarify what happened.

With each new piece of information that emerges, the anticipation regarding the causes of the accident and the possibility of sabotage intensifies. Lithuanian authorities, along with international experts, are committed to unraveling this mysterious event that has shaken the tranquility of Vilnius and left an indelible mark on the global community.