dron explodes in Varėna district with sound similar to ‘Shahed’

Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, along with BNS and ELTA news agencies, reported on the incident.

A drone suspected of crossing into Lithuanian airspace exploded early Monday in Varėna district, near Lake Lavysas, according to initial military assessments.

Lithuanian Armed Forces said the object, possibly a drone, entered the country overnight and crashed in the area. Investigators have recovered debris and an internal combustion engine from the scene. The military stated that evidence collection and analysis are ongoing.

No military radar detected the drone during its flight.

Drones expert Vytautas told LRT that the sound captured in a video of the incident is nearly identical to that of an Iranian-made “Shahed” drone, commonly used in attacks in Ukraine.

The video, obtained by LRT, shows a flying object emitting a buzzing sound. The camera does not capture it in the night sky, and seconds later, an explosion occurs, followed by burning debris falling to the ground.

According to the video timestamp, the incident took place at 03:04 on Monday morning.

Local residents reported hearing a loud buzzing sound around 3 a.m., followed by a large explosion. One resident told LRT that she was too afraid to go outside until morning, and when she did, she first checked whether her house had been damaged.

Emergency services, including firefighters and police, arrived at the scene, and a military helicopter was deployed for aerial observation. However, attempts by fire and rescue personnel to reach the debris by boat were halted due to unstable ice on the lake.

According to LRT journalist Rūta Ribačiauskienė, officials were ordered to turn back when they approached within 15–20 meters of the crash site.

The area around Lake Lavysas is sparsely populated, with most properties being holiday homes.

Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Commission in response to the incident. The military has activated its “SKYDAS” (Shield) response plan at the scene.

Lithuanian Armed Forces confirmed that debris is visible at the site, with police and the State Fire and Rescue Service (PAGD) on scene, and a military helicopter monitoring the area.

The State Fire and Rescue Service (PAGD) confirmed to BNS that firefighters arrived at the scene after receiving information from police and ensured safety at the site.

Military and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the nature and origin of the object.