Cargo Plane Operated by Ukraine Carrier Crashes in Greece, Explosions Heard


Last Updated: July 17, 2022, 08:04 IST

Flames are seen at the site of a plane crash, a few miles away from the city of Kavala, in northern Greece. (Credits: AP)

The explosions have sparked speculation among locals and some Greek media the plane was carrying explosives

An Antonov cargo plane operated by a Ukraine-based air carrier crashed Saturday near the city of Kavala in northern Greece, authorities said.

Greek Civil Aviation authorities say the flight was heading from Serbia to Jordan, but have not been able to confirm how many people were on board or what the plane’s cargo was. It was operated by Meridian, a cargo carrier.

The pilot managed to alert authorities about a problem in one of the plane’s engines and he was given the choice of landing in either the Thessaloniki or Kavala airports. He opted for Kavala, which was closer, but the plane crashed about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of the airport, Greece’s Civil Aviation authority said.

We were hearing explosions until a few minutes ago,” Filippos Anastassiadis, mayor of the municipality of Paggaio, told the Associated Press. I am about 300 meters from the site of the crash.”

Locals reported seeing a fireball. The explosions have sparked speculation among locals and some Greek media the plane was carrying explosives.

The crash site is on farmland close to two villages that are part of the Paggaio municipality.

The fire service has cordoned off the area.

Read all the Latest News, Breaking News, watch Top Videos and Live TV here.



Source link