An Antonov cargo plane operated by a Ukrainian-based airline has crashed near the northern Greek city of Kavala, authorities said.
Key points:
- The pilot attempted to land at Kavala Airport
- The plane crashed about 40 miles west of the airport
- The blasts at the site sparked speculation that the plane was carrying explosives
Greek Civil Aviation authorities said the flight was going from Serbia to Jordan, but have not been able to confirm how many people were on board or what the cargo was on the plane. It was operated by Meridian, a cargo carrier.
The pilot managed to alert authorities to a problem in one of the plane’s engines and was given the opportunity to land at Thessaloniki or Kavala airport.
He opted for Kavala, which was closer, but the plane crashed about 40 kilometers west of the airport, the Greek Civil Aviation Authority said.
“We were hearing explosions until a few minutes ago,” said Filippos Anastassiadis, mayor of Paggaio municipality.
“I’m about 300 yards from the crash site.”
Authorities have not been able to confirm how many people were on the plane. (AP: Ilias Kotsireas)
Locals reported seeing a fireball and a column of smoke.
The blasts sparked speculation among locals and some Greek media that the plane was carrying explosives.
State broadcaster ERT reported that army explosives experts were on their way to the site, located on farmland near two villages in Paggaio municipality.
Firefighters have cordoned off the area.
AP