Drone crossed from Russian airspace, hits Estonian power station's chimney

ISTANBUL

A drone crossed from Russian airspace and struck a chimney at the Auvere power station in Estonia's Ida-Viru County early Wednesday, the Internal Security Service (ISS) said.

"On the night of March 25 at 3:43 a.m. (0143 GMT), a drone hit the chimney of the Auvere power plant. No one was injured in the accident," a spokesperson for the security service was quoted by broadcaster ERR as saying.

State Prosecutor General Astrid Asi said in a press release that there is no evidence the drone was intentionally aimed at Estonia or the plant.

"According to current information, the drone was not directed at Estonia. Initial actions are currently being taken; the investigation will clarify the more specific circumstances," Asi said.

Justice Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta told the same broadcaster that the government will hold an emergency session to discuss the security incident.

Another drone entered Latvian airspace overnight and detonated in the Kraslava region.

"The aircraft most likely veered off course or was affected by electromagnetic warfare measures while protecting some technically important objects," Deputy Chief of the Latvian Armed Forces Joint Staff Egils Lescinskis said.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina told TV3 that the Auvere incident is "similar" to previous drone incidents.

The Internal Security Service urged the public to avoid approaching any drone debris due to potential safety risks.