A tragic plane crash near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau has left 38 people dead and 29 survivors, officials report. The Azerbaijani airliner, an Embraer 190, was carrying 67 passengers and crew when it attempted an emergency landing 3 kilometers from Aktau airport after being diverted from its planned route.
Weather Conditions and Emergency Landing
The flight, originally traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, encountered worsening weather conditions that forced it to change course, according to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Speaking at a press conference, Aliyev cautioned against speculation about the crash's cause, though weather and a reported bird strike were mentioned as contributing factors. “The plane changed its course between Baku and Grozny due to worsening weather conditions and headed to Aktau airport, where it crashed upon landing,” he explained.
Casualties and Survivors
Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev confirmed the casualty figures during a meeting with Azerbaijani officials. Among those aboard were citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office initially reported a slightly different survivor count, but officials are still reconciling the numbers.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
Shocking mobile phone footage circulating online shows the plane in a steep descent before crashing in a fiery explosion. Other videos depict the wreckage, with survivors seen pulling passengers from the debris. Flight data revealed erratic altitude changes and a figure-eight pattern near Aktau before the crash. Reports also indicate the aircraft may have faced “strong GPS jamming,” an issue previously linked to Russian interference in the region.
Immediate Response
Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights on routes linked to Grozny and Makhachkala until the investigation concludes. An Azerbaijani delegation, including top officials and investigators, has traveled to the crash site in Aktau. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Azerbaijani President Aliyev and confirmed that Russia's Emergency Ministry sent a plane with medical workers and equipment to assist.
National Mourning Declared
President Aliyev returned to Azerbaijan after the tragedy and declared December 26 a national day of mourning. “It is with deep sadness that I express my condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote on social media.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia are conducting a joint investigation into the crash. Aircraft manufacturer Embraer stated that it is ready to assist with inquiries.
As the region mourns this devastating incident, officials have pledged to uncover the cause and ensure measures are taken to prevent future tragedies.
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