At least 38 people are reported to have died following a fatal plane crash in the vicinity of Kazakhstan’s Aktau area on Wednesday. The plane, which had departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, was headed for Grozny, Russia, with 67 people on board, including five crew members. While preliminary reports suggested that 32 people survived the crash, officials report that the number of dead has risen to 38. The plane was belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines. In several circles over the Aktau airport, the flight went down probably because there was fog in Grozny.
Rescue and Survivor
The Emergency Ministry of Kazakhstan promptly responded to the situation by sending 52 rescuers and 11 pieces of equipment to the site of the crash. Firefighters tried to contain the raging fire that covered the debris. Survivors were immediately transferred to the nearest hospitals. The ministry reported that it had activated a national operations center in order to better coordinate rescue efforts.
Aircraft History and Probable Causes for the Crash
The Embraer ERJ-190 aircraft took off from Baku at 3:55 AM UTC (9:25 AM Indian time). The aircraft was said to have been subjected to severe GPS jamming before losing contact. Preliminary reports suggested that the accident might have been caused by a bird strike, according toRussian news agencies. However, the authorities did not completely dismiss technical failures or other causes.
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BREAKING: Azerbaijan Airlines flight traveling from Baku to Grozny crashes in Aktau, Kazakhstan, after reportedly requesting an emergency landing pic.twitter.com/hB5toqEFe2
— RT (@RT_com) December 25, 2024
Information about Passengers and International Response
Out of the 67 people on board, 37 were from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan. Among the survivors, 10 Russian nationals were confirmed to have escaped the wreckage, according to Russian media. Videos circulating on social media show the plane descending at low altitude before it crashed and exploded into a fireball, while first responders rushed to the site, searching for survivors.
Azerbaijan Airlines Statement
Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the crash in a brief statement on social media. “The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flight number J2-8243, made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers near the city of Aktau. Further details will be provided,” the airline posted.
The tragedy has left many in shock, as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, providing support to the affected families and responding teams
