Ukrainian cargo plane crashes in Greece

A Ukrainian cargo plane with eight crew members crashed tonight near the Greek town of Paleochori (Kavala) in northeastern Greece. ANA-MPA news agency was informed by local authorities.

The agency collects from sources close to the Civil Aviation Authority The pilot of the wrecked plane, an Antonov An-12, reported engine failure and requested authorization for an emergency landing, but he was unable to reach any airport because one of his propellers caught fire and crashed shortly after.

The damaged flight was Ukrainian, ANA-MPA, carrying cargo and en route from Serbia to Jordan. Eight crew members were traveling on the device and its current condition is unknown.

The news agency indicated that a large number of fire and rescue personnel, ambulances from the National Emergency Center (EKAB) and police officers were at the scene and the area was in darkness due to power cuts.

Witnesses said the plane was on fire and heard an explosion, the Athens News Agency reported.

Giorgos Archontopoulos, a local man, told state television ERT that he felt something was wrong as soon as he heard the sound of the plane’s engine. “At 10:45 p.m., I was surprised by the sound of the plane’s engine,” he said. “I came out and saw the engine on fire.”

State television ERT reported on the plane’s load “It’s dangerous.” The report further stated that the police asked the journalists who arrived at the scene to wear masks.

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