A tragic plane crash in Kazakhstan involved an aircraft carrying 67 individuals, resulting in at least 38 fatalities and several survivors. The flight from Baku to Grozny was operated by Azerbaijan Airlines. Reports indicate potential causes such as a bird strike, leading to an emergency landing attempt near Aktau. Footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the aircraft’s descent and subsequent explosion. Emergency services are on-site, and investigations are underway, with condolences expressed by officials from Russia and Chechnya.
Tragic Plane Crash in Kazakhstan
A devastating plane crash occurred in Kazakhstan involving an aircraft carrying 67 passengers and crew members. The flight was en route from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. Initial reports indicate more than 30 fatalities, although there are survivors among the wreckage.
Survivors and Casualties Confirmed
Kazakh officials have confirmed that at least 38 individuals lost their lives in this tragic incident involving an Azerbaijani airline. The flight, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, included five crew members and was reported by the Kazakh Ministry of Emergencies through Telegram. While the number of survivors has been cited as 32 by the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s office, Russian news agency Ria Novosti has reported that 29 of these survivors, including two children, have been hospitalized. Among the passengers, 42 were from Azerbaijan, while 16 were Russian citizens, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals.
Authorities released an initial list of 29 survivors, which included the names of two children, as reported by Tengrinews. One of the young survivors, an eleven-year-old girl, mentioned she resides in Germany and was uncertain about her nationality.
The crash took place near Aktau, close to the Caspian Sea. Initially, the death toll was reported at four, but ongoing searches for additional victims continue. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined, although the airline suggested a potential bird strike as a factor. This incident reportedly triggered an emergency situation, leading the pilot to divert the flight toward Aktau.
According to a spokesperson for the Russian civil aviation authority, the aircraft attempted an emergency landing three kilometers from Aktau. The ill-fated Embraer 190 deviated from its intended route over the Caspian Sea, spiraling downward before crashing.
The proximity of the crash site to Aktau airport resulted in numerous videos circulating on social media, depicting the aircraft in a steep descent before it impacted the ground, creating a massive fireball. Additional footage showed the fuselage having separated from the wings, with some videos capturing the harrowing moments as survivors assisted fellow passengers in escaping the wreckage.
Emergency services have been deployed to the crash site to aid in rescue efforts. A government commission has been established to investigate the incident, with members dispatched to the site to ensure families of victims receive appropriate support. The Kazakh government has committed to collaborating with Azerbaijani authorities throughout the investigation.
In a show of solidarity, Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov extended his condolences, noting that some hospitalized survivors are in serious condition and urging prayers for their recovery. Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his sympathies to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
In light of the tragedy, Azerbaijan Airlines has announced the suspension of its flights to Grozny and Makhachkala in the North Caucasus region.