DHL Cargo Plane Crashes, Causing 1 Death and Multiple Injuries

A DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius airport in Lithuania, killing one crew member and injuring three others, while hitting a house.

At a Glance

A DHL Boeing 737 cargo plane crashed near Vilnius airport, killing one crew member.
The plane crashed into a house about one mile short of the runway.
Three crew members survived, and 12 people in the house were rescued.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, with multiple factors being considered.
The incident adds to ongoing safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft.

Tragic Crash Near Vilnius Airport

In the early hours of November 25, 2024, a DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius International Airport in Lithuania, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Boeing 737, operated by Madrid-based contractor Swiftair, went down approximately one mile short of the runway around 5:30 a.m. local time. The aircraft skidded for several hundred meters before catching fire and crashing into a residential house.

The Lithuanian national police confirmed that the cargo aircraft was carrying four people. Tragically, one crew member was killed in the crash, while the pilot and two other crew members survived. In a stroke of fortune, twelve people inside the house were safely rescued, with no reported casualties on the ground. Two of the injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Republic Vilnius University Hospital.

A DHL cargo plane crashed into a two-story residential building near Vilnius Airport in Lithuania, killing 1 crew member and injuring 2 others https://t.co/9pWqdh2D4X pic.twitter.com/aKpd2VdhkX

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) November 25, 2024

Investigation Underway

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with authorities considering various possibilities including technical fault, human error, and even the remote possibility of terrorism. Lithuania’s Counter-intelligence chief, Darius Jauniskis, addressed the situation, stating, “We cannot reject the possibility of terrorism…But at the moment we can’t…point fingers, because we don’t have such information.” Currently, officials reportedly believe it was more likely accidental than intentional.

Still, the investigation is particularly sensitive given Lithuania’s role as a key ally of Ukraine and the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. The Kremlin has already dismissed allegations of Russian involvement as unfounded. Adding to the complexity, the crash follows recent incidents involving incendiary devices in DHL packages at warehouses in Germany and the UK.

Boeing’s Ongoing Woes

For Boeing, this crash comes amid ongoing safety concerns surrounding their aircraft. The 31-year-old Boeing 737 involved in the crash, while not unusual for cargo flights, raises questions about the aging fleet used in cargo operations. Boeing has faced accusations from whistleblowers about lapses in safety protocols. In addition, a number of incidents have occurred this year involving Boeing planes, including aircraft losing parts during flight or takeoff.

As the investigation continues, both DHL and aviation authorities are working to determine the exact cause of this tragic event. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the ongoing need for stringent safety measures in both passenger and cargo operations.