A Ukrainian cargo plane crashed near the northern Greek city of Kavala on Saturday, killing all eight crew members, according to the Greek Civil Aviation Authority.
According to Serbian authorities, the plane took off from Serbia and was headed to Bangladesh, and was transporting ammunition from the Serbian company Valir for the Ministry of Defense of Bangladesh, Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said in a press conference.
Stefanovic also confirmed that the plane had all the necessary permits in accordance with international regulations, staunchly denying media reports that weapons were transported from Serbia to Ukraine on that flight.
Greek authorities reported that the pilot requested permission to make an emergency landing due to engine failure but the plane was unable to reach the airport. A fire broke out in one of the plane’s engines while in flight which is believed to have caused the crash, said officials.
The plane crashed in farmland between two villages, and locals reported seeing a “falling fireball” following an explosion that continued for hours after the crash.
An unknown white substance was found near the crash site. Tests are being conducted to determine what exactly was on board, as authorities have closed off the area.
A team from the Special Joint Nuclear Biological Chemical Defense Unit is expected to examine the crash site.
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