A tragic crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, the regional capital of Chechnya, claimed 38 lives on Wednesday. The plane, attempting an emergency landing after veering toward Kazakhstan, left all 29 survivors injured, including passengers and crew.
Survivors Recall Terrifying Moments
Survivors recounted hearing loud noises and explosions before the aircraft went down. Vafa Shabanova, a survivor, described hearing “two explosions in the sky” before the crash. Another survivor, Jerova Salihat, shared that “something exploded” near her leg moments before the impact.
Videos from the scene show passengers being rescued from the aft section of the aircraft, a part often considered the safest in crashes. The Associated Press confirmed the dramatic footage, highlighting the chaos and the quick response of emergency teams.
Pilot Heroism and Technical Details
Samir Rzayev, president of Azerbaijan Airlines, praised the pilots for their “heroism” and efforts to save lives. “The crew’s dedication to their duties until the final moments has made their names immortal,” he said.
The pilots had amassed over 15,000 flight hours, and the aircraft had recently passed a technical inspection, according to airline officials. Despite these credentials, the crash has raised significant questions about external factors influencing the disaster.
External Impact Suspected
Azerbaijan’s minister of digital development and transportation, Nabiyev, pointed to external interference as a potential cause. “Preliminary conclusions by experts suggest external impact,” he stated. He further added that the type of weapon involved would be determined through ongoing investigations.
This assertion aligns with claims made by Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Rosaviatsia, alleged that Ukrainian drones had targeted the plane during its approach to Grozny amidst dense fog. Following two failed landing attempts, the airspace around the city was closed, forcing the pilots to divert to Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Witness Statements and Controversy
Passengers and crew reportedly observed external disturbances during the flight. These claims, combined with Yadrov’s statement, have sparked debate over the involvement of geopolitical tensions in the incident.
The airline itself confirmed “physical and technical external interference” before the crash, fueling speculation about intentional sabotage.
Looking Ahead
The tragedy has drawn international attention, with calls for a thorough investigation. The focus now lies on determining the exact cause of the crash and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.
As Azerbaijan and international authorities work to uncover the truth, this heartbreaking event underscores the need for enhanced aviation safety amid growing regional tensions.
