A tragic plane crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight has left more than 40 people feared dead. The flight, carrying 72 individuals (67 passengers and five crew members), crashed during an emergency landing near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan.
Date: December 25, 2024
Location: Near Aktau, Kazakhstan
Key Facts
- Flight Details:
- Route: Baku (Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russia).
- Aircraft: Embraer 190.
- Flight Number: J2-8243.
- Incident Cause:
- The plane was rerouted due to dense fog in Grozny, forcing an emergency landing attempt near Aktau.
- Preliminary investigations are exploring multiple factors, including possible technical issues.
Casualty Update
- Survivors: 27 passengers were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
- Fatalities: Over 40 individuals are feared dead, according to Kazakhstan’s emergency ministry.
Initial reports indicated 110 people onboard, but the figure was later corrected to 72.
Crash Details
- Crash Site: The plane went down in an open field approximately three kilometers from Aktau.
- Visuals:
- Eyewitness video captured the aircraft descending rapidly before crashing and bursting into flames.
- Thick plumes of smoke rose from the site as emergency services extinguished the fire.
Airline Statement
Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the crash via an official statement:
“The Embraer 190 aircraft, flight J2-8243, made an emergency landing approximately three kilometers near the city of Aktau. Additional information regarding the incident will be provided to the public.”
Investigation Underway
Kazakh authorities, along with international aviation experts, are investigating the crash. Possible technical issues and other scenarios are being evaluated to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
This devastating accident has sparked global concern, with condolences pouring in for the victims and their families. More details are expected as the investigation progresses.
