A passenger plane crash in Kazakhstan has resulted in the tragic loss of life, as emergency crews responded to the scene. The aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route to Grozny, Russia, but was diverted due to dense fog. It crash-landed near the city of Aktau after attempting an emergency landing, and fire erupted upon landing.
Local officials confirmed that of the 69 people on board, 38 were pronounced dead, while many others survived the incident. Eyewitness footage captured the moment the plane descended rapidly with its landing gear deployed before igniting upon contact with the ground.
The flight took off from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, at 03:55 GMT and went down around 06:28, according to flight data. Reports from Russian media have suggested that the aircraft may have encountered a flock of birds prior to the crash, though this has not been officially confirmed.
In the aftermath, Azerbaijan Airlines announced the cancellation of flights between Baku and the Russian cities of Grozny and Makhachkala while the investigation into the crash is carried out. The airline also reported that the black box flight recorder has been retrieved, which will aid in determining the cause of the crash.
While the tragedy has brought sorrow to many families, including one mother travelling for medical reasons for her sick child who remains missing, it is a testament to the resilience of those who survived. A heartfelt account emerged from a young woman searching for her father on the flight, who was traveling with his son—who fortunately survived and was able to reach out to his sister.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life but also highlights the strength and determination of those affected as they navigate this devastating situation. As the investigation unfolds, families and authorities will work together to uncover the truth and seek closure in the wake of this tragedy.