Investigation into the crash of a DHL plane in Vilnius: what is known about possible causes

The plane crash that occurred in Vilnius on Monday morning was an accident, according to the head of Lithuania's National Crisis Management Center, Vilmantas Vitkauskas. In his turn, Police General Arunas Paulauskas said that the accident was most likely caused by a technical malfunction or error. This was reported by UNN with reference to Delfi and Lrt.

“We have had an accident. (...) At the moment, the circumstances and causes are being established,” Vitkauskas told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

Police Commissioner General Arunas Paulauskas, answering a question during a press conference about whether the plane crash could have been a terrorist attack, said that this version could not be ruled out. “Probably, it can never be ruled out. This is one of the versions that should be studied and checked. There is a lot of work ahead. I think that it may take a whole week to inspect the scene, collect evidence, collect items. These answers will not come soon,” he said.

However, as Lrt writes, he added that “most likely, it was either a technical accident or human error (...). The plane was descending and did not reach the runway. These are the actual circumstances.” 

The police have launched a preliminary investigation into the plane crash in Vilnius - the investigation was initiated under an article of the Criminal Code that provides for liability for improper maintenance or repair of vehicles or roads and structures located on them.

According to the Situation Coordination Unit of the Department of Fire Safety and Rescue, the plane crashed near a two-story residential building, and the building itself was not hit. 

According to the available data, there were supposed to be four crew members, and the search for the fourth crew member is underway, the police said. 

Previously 

It was reported that on Monday morning, a DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius airport.