A devastating plane crash near Kazakhstan’s Aktau region has left at least 38 people dead, with 32 survivors being rescued. The incident occurred when an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau, an oil and gas hub located on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. The incident was captured by a passenger onboard, whose harrowing footage has been widely shared on social media.
Shocking Footage Captures Final Moments
In the distressing video, passengers can be heard crying and screaming as the aircraft descends rapidly. The sound of the seatbelt sign can be heard as yellow oxygen masks dangle above the seats. Amid the chaos, a passenger can be heard saying “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) as the plane spirals downward. A second video, showing the plane’s ceiling upside down with blood stains on some armrests, adds to the horror, showing the aftermath of the crash.
Plane Makes Emergency Landing Near Aktau
The Embraer 190, a narrow-body passenger aircraft, was carrying passengers from Azerbaijan to Grozny in southern Russia. Authorities later confirmed that the aircraft made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau. The Kazakh Emergency Situations Ministry swiftly responded, putting out a fire that broke out after the crash. Authorities also dispatched specialised medical teams to treat the injured.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
The final moments of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane before its crash in Kazakhstan were captured by a passenger onboard.
Aftermath also included in the footage. pic.twitter.com/nCRozjdoUY
— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 25, 2024
Condolences and National Mourning
In response to the tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning and canceled his planned visit to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences for the victims and assured support, with Russian emergency teams also sent to the crash site.
Investigation Underway
Kazakhstan has opened an investigation into the incident, with reports indicating that the plane deviated from its normal course, crossing the Caspian Sea before making several circles near the crash site. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with early reports suggesting potential technical problems.
The tragic crash has left the world in shock, and many continue to mourn the loss of 38 lives while hoping for the recovery of the 32 survivors.
