An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed on Wednesday near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, leaving at least 32 individuals confirmed as survivors, according to local authorities. The aircraft, carrying 67 people, was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it encountered distress shortly before making an emergency landing about three kilometers from Aktau.
Initial reports indicate more than 30 fatalities, but the number is still being assessed as rescue efforts continue. Among the survivors, 29, including two children, have been hospitalized, with some listed in serious condition. The plane, identified as an Embraer 190, was reportedly experiencing difficulties due to bird strikes, leading to the emergency landing.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations indicated they found the aircraft ablaze upon arrival. Gripping video footage captured the chaotic moments when survivors fled the burning wreckage, with some assisting fellow passengers. Medical personnel confirmed they recovered several bodies, and preliminary assessments suggest both pilots perished.
According to the flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the plane demonstrated erratic flight patterns, descending sharply before the crash. Reports suggest GPS signal interference, likely attributable to previous incidents of such interference linked to Russian activities, caused erroneous data being sent by the aircraft.
The Kazakh government has initiated a full-scale investigation, collaborating with Azerbaijani authorities. Azerbaijan Airlines is working closely with the investigators, providing assistance and ensuring transparency concerning the incident.
Family members of the victims and survivors are receiving urgent support. Azerbaijan Airlines, mourning the loss and chaos, has expressed their commitment to keeping the public informed and is offering condolences to families affected by this tragedy.
Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan, interrupted his visit to Russia to return home, where he expressed his condolences on social media. He also signed a decree declaring December 26 as a day of mourning for the victims of the crash. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, conveyed his sympathies during a telephone conversation with Aliyev, with Russia’s Emergency Ministry dispatched to Kazakhstan to assist.
Reports indicate there were 62 passengers on board from diverse nationalities, including 37 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz citizens. Emergency services were mobilized, and over 150 personnel have been involved at the crash site. Officials are coordinating to continue the rescue and recovery operations.
The aircraft was initially redirected due to foggy conditions before the catastrophic event. Hours following the incident, rescue teams painstakingly worked through the wreckage, prioritizing casualties and the recovery of their loved ones. Amidst this tragedy, communities are banding together to support and honor those affected by the temporary nature of life and the randomness of fate.
It remains to be seen how the investigation will reshape air travel safety concerns and whether systemic changes will arise from. The aviation community and passengers alike await updates as authorities dig deep, unraveling the accident's roots.
