Lithuanian President Acknowledges Sabotage Possibility in Cargo Plane Crash Investigation
Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda addressed the media on Tuesday, expressing that sabotage cannot be overlooked as investigators probe the tragic accident of a Swiftair cargo plane in Vilnius. The incident, which resulted in the death of a Spanish pilot and injuries to three crew members, occurred under murky circumstances on Monday as the plane was en route from Leipzig for DHL.
In an interview, Nauseda acknowledged the current limitations of the data; however, he remains optimistic that a thorough understanding of the causes will soon be reached. To date, investigators have collected around 20 testimonies and are analyzing data from the aircraft's black boxes. The accounts of the three survivors, which include another Spanish national, are considered pivotal in piecing together the events leading to the crash.
Notably, both Lithuanian and German authorities have remained cautious in labeling the crash as an accident. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock even suggested that the incident could be related to a hybrid threat, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region and the fear of potential attacks.
Authorities have yet to uncover any concrete evidence to support the theory of an attack, but the police have not dismissed the possibility either. A spokesperson emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, and they remain open to all avenues of inquiry.
While Nauseda confirmed that theories of sabotage are still being considered, he urged caution against overly dramatic assertions, stating, "I think it is irresponsible at this moment because the information we have is limited." He also hinted that comments from German politicians may be a reaction to rising fears within their population regarding the potential for hidden explosive devices within parcel shipments, reflecting a broader apprehension amidst ongoing episodes of hybrid warfare in the region.
On the investigation front, Police Chief Arunas Paulauskas expressed confidence that thorough examinations of the wreckage could conclude within two to three days, after which they will proceed to remove the aircraft's fuselage. As part of the investigation, Paulauskas has called upon the public for assistance, requesting residents of Vilnius to share any videos or information they may have related to the crash.
"I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the people of Vilnius; if anyone has videos that may be useful for the investigation, please share them with the police," he stated, underscoring the importance of community collaboration in the inquiry into this tragic incident.
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