At least 38 people are dead and dozens injured after an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed near Kazakhstan's Aktau Airport close to the Caspian Sea on Wednesday morning, according to officials from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The aircraft, which was on its way from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, was reportedly redirected to Aktau due to fog conditions over Grozny. The plane was carrying 69 individuals, which included 64 passengers and five crew members. Among the deceased were several notable citizens, including at least one child and their parent, as well as 37 Azerbaijani nationals, six from Kazakhstan, three from Kyrgyzstan, and 16 from Russia. Survivors, totaling 29 individuals, were rushed to nearby hospitals, many of whom were treated for serious injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest mechanical issues may have played a role. Initial reports identified what could have been a bird strike causing engine failure, leading to the emergency landing attempts. The Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations indicated, "The list of dead and injured is being finalized," emphasizing the confusion surrounding the exact numbers and identities of victims.
During the panic of the crash, recordings and footage showed the plane catching fire upon landing. Eyewitnesses described seeing the aircraft speeding toward the ground with its landing gear already deployed before it erupted in flames on impact.
Adding to the complexity of the tragedy, unverified claims circulating on social media suggested the incident might have involved complications due to military operations nearby, with speculation about damage from air-defense systems possibly responsible for the plane's descent. Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden weighed in, stating it was "likely" the flight was hit by shrapnel from Russian military defenses operating around Chechnya.
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences to the families affected by the crash, stating he wanted to express support and solidarity during this difficult time. His office relayed, "We will hope...a thorough investigation will be conducted," emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability.
Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev, immediately cancelled his travel plans for the previously scheduled Commonwealth of Independent States meeting following the tragic events. A day of mourning has been declared, allowing the nation to reflect on their losses.
A detailed investigation is underway, led by Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office, with assistance from counterparts in Kazakhstan and Russia. Farid Huseynov, spokesperson for Azerbaijan Airlines, confirmed investigations are exploring all versions of what might have led to this crash. Huseynov assured, "All versions are being explored during the criminal case" as teams from both nations work cohesively at the crash site.
Though the immediate cause of the crash remains uncertain, there are indications of technical and operational difficulties prior to the incident. Reports from FlightRadar24 indicated the aircraft experienced significant GPS interference, leading to questions on the conditions navigated by the crew. Mr. Huseynov summarized the situation, indicating the complexity of circumstances in the investigation.
For the victims' families, this is undoubtedly a heart-wrenching time, as the search for answers continues. The tragic loss stirs fears about aviation safety, resurfacing discussions relating to the adequacy of emergency procedures and external operational influences on commercial flights. The international community is closely watching how officials both from Azerbaijan and the implicated countries handle the aftermath of this disaster.
Overall, troops and emergency response units have mobilized, with Kazakh officials confirming their commitment to support the investigation as swiftly and thoroughly as possible. Senate Chairman Ashimbayev Maulen concluded, "None of these countries - neither Azerbaijan, Russia nor Kazakhstan - is interested in hiding information. All information will be made available to the public," which fosters hope among people grieving this insufferable loss.
