DHL plane crash in Vilnius: Probe finds pilot or technical error
An investigation into Monday's DHL plane crash in Vilnius is underway. The Lithuanian prosecutor's office indicates that the cause was either technical or pilot error. On Tuesday, the aircraft's black boxes were found.
2:32 PM EST, November 26, 2024
As reported by Arturas Urbelis from the General Prosecutor's Office in Vilnius, preliminary findings suggest that the cause could have been a technical or pilot error. Urbelis emphasized during the press conference that preliminary information does not indicate that an investigation into a more serious crime is necessary.
The prosecutor urged the public to avoid speculation about a possible connection to a terrorist act. We are being watched by not very friendly neighbors who will try to exploit any situation to sow distrust in society, he warned. The investigation concerns improper maintenance or repair of the aircraft and violations of regulations regarding international flights.
Laurynas Naujokaitis from the Lithuanian Ministry of Justice added that although a terrorist attack is not ruled out, "currently there is no indication of it."
Tragedy in Vilnius. Black boxes found
The Ministry of Justice of Lithuania announced on Tuesday that the DHL plane's black boxes had been discovered. Investigators are preparing to decode the data.
The Boeing 737, operated by the Spanish airline Swiftair and chartered by DHL, was flying from Leipzig. On board was a four-member crew: two Spaniards, a German, and a Lithuanian. As a result of the crash, one of the Spaniards was killed, and the remaining crew members were injured.
