Estonian prosecutors close probe into drone that hit Auvere power plant smokestack

Estonia's Prosecutor's Office has closed its investigation into a drone that hit a smokestack at the Auvere Power Plant, near the Russian border, on March 25 this year. Investigators were unable to establish the exact circumstances of the incident. The Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) says the evidence gathered does not suggest a deliberate act aimed against Estonia.

What happened

At 3:43 a.m., the drone struck the smokestack and exploded. The smokestack was damaged, but nobody was hurt and the operation of the electricity system was not affected. Criminal proceedings were opened on suspicion of causing an explosion.

Why the investigation was closed

State Prosecutor Gardi Anderson said the drone was so thoroughly destroyed in the collision and blast that its origin could not be reliably determined from the remaining fragments. According to her, prosecutors carried out all possible and reasonable investigative steps, but the evidence does not allow the case to proceed effectively or anyone to be held responsible.

Among other possibilities, investigators checked whether the drone might have been a Ukrainian one that had veered off course. They consulted Ukrainian experts and commissioned a forensic examination, but the drone's origin still could not be established.

Anderson added that the investigation can be reopened if new information or evidence emerges that would help clarify the circumstances.

Security service assessment

KAPO stated that the information gathered did not indicate the drone's entry into the power plant grounds was a deliberate act directed against Estonia. KAPO Deputy Director General Andres Ratassepp said that as long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine, more such incidents can be expected. He noted that drones are weapons of war, so anyone who finds one should keep their distance to protect themselves and others, and report the discovery.