Unidentified object explodes and crashes in Varėna district, suspected drone

An explosion and crash of an unidentified object occurred in Varėna district early Monday morning, with authorities suspecting it may have been a drone.

LRT and BNS report that the incident took place near Lake Lavysas in Varėna municipality around 3:04 a.m. According to initial assessments by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the object may have crossed the state border before crashing in the area.

The emergency response plan “SKYDAS” was activated at the scene. Police, the State Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD), and a military helicopter are currently present at the site. Video footage shared by LRT shows a flying object emitting a buzzing sound, followed by an explosion and burning debris falling to the ground.

Jolita Orentaitė, a representative of the State Fire and Rescue Department, confirmed that firefighters and rescuers were dispatched to secure the area after receiving information from police. The National Crisis Management Centre (NKVC) stated that it is aware of reports regarding the object in Varėna and that authorities and the military are investigating the situation.

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė announced that a meeting of the National Security Commission will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. to discuss the incident and related circumstances. “There is no threat to public safety from the object that fell in Varėna district. Police, the State Fire and Rescue Department, and a military helicopter are at the scene, and the ‘SKYDAS’ plan has been activated,” she wrote on her official Facebook page. “I am convening a meeting of the National Security Commission tomorrow at 10 a.m. to present all relevant details. The Lithuanian Armed Forces will provide regular updates to the public as soon as possible.”