A tragic plane crash near the Kazakh city of Aktau has left dozens feared dead, with officials confirming that a passenger aircraft carrying 67 people crashed on Wednesday. The plane, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when the incident occurred.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Of the 67 individuals on board, 28 survived the crash, including two children, according to Kazakhstan’s authorities. All survivors were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Emergency responders arrived at the crash site, where they found the aircraft engulfed in flames. Rescue teams extinguished the fire and evacuated the injured passengers.
Details of the Flight
The ill-fated flight, identified as J2-8243, was operating from Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, to Grozny in Russia’s Chechnya region. The aircraft reportedly made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau. Preliminary investigations suggest that the pilot attempted the emergency landing following a bird strike, according to Russia’s aviation watchdog.
Nationalities of the Passengers
Kazakhstan’s transport ministry revealed the nationalities of those on board:
- Azerbaijan: 37 passengers
- Kazakhstan: 6 passengers
- Kyrgyzstan: 3 passengers
- Russia: 16 passengers In addition, the flight crew consisted of five members.
Crash Scene and Video Evidence
Video footage of the incident showed the plane erratically circling the airfield before crashing. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames. Passengers, some visibly injured, were seen emerging from the wreckage amidst smoke and debris.
Investigation Underway
The Kazakh government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crash. A specially formed commission has been dispatched to the crash site to assess the cause of the accident. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations stated that it will cooperate with Azerbaijan in the investigation to uncover the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Government Response
In a statement, Kazakhstan’s government expressed its commitment to providing urgent assistance to the families of those affected. Measures will also be taken to ensure a thorough inquiry into the crash’s cause.
Ongoing Updates
Authorities have assured the public that further information will be released as it becomes available. For now, the crash has left both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in mourning as investigations continue into the disaster.
