Tragedy struck in Lithuania on Wednesday when a DHL cargo plane crashed near Vilnius Airport, killing one person on board. The aircraft, a Boeing 757, was en route from Leipzig, Germany to Vilnius when it went down just a few miles from the airport.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but officials have ruled out any foul play. The weather conditions at the time of the crash were reportedly clear, so it is unclear what could have caused the plane to go down.
The crash has left the aviation community in shock, as DHL has a relatively good safety record. The company has not had a fatal crash since 2003, when one of its planes crashed in Baghdad, killing all seven crew members on board.
The victim of the crash has been identified as the co-pilot of the aircraft, a 37-year-old man from Germany. He had been with the company for several years and was said to be a highly experienced pilot.
The crash is a sobering reminder of the dangers that come with air travel, even for experienced pilots flying for reputable companies. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations into aviation accidents to prevent future tragedies.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim, as well as with the entire DHL community as they mourn this tragic loss.