Azerbaijan held a national day of mourning on Thursday for the 38 victims of a recent plane crash, which also left 29 survivors injured. The tragedy occurred when an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, traveling from Baku to Grozny in Russia, was diverted due to unspecified issues and ultimately crashed while attempting to land in Aktau, Kazakhstan.
The aircraft went down approximately two miles from the airport after making a steep descent, as evidenced by cellphone footage capturing the incident. Various pieces of wreckage, including parts of the fuselage, have been reported scattered across the crash site, igniting discussions regarding the potential causes of the disaster.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev refrained from making definitive statements but indicated that the weather had necessitated the flight’s diversion. Preliminary reports from Russia’s civil aviation authority suggest a bird strike may have prompted the emergency landing at Aktau.
Uncertainties linger regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash. A regional Kazakh official noted that investigations are examining whether the plane might have been downed by Russian air defenses amidst ongoing tensions in the region, potentially linked to reported drone strikes.
Aviation security firm Osprey Flight Solutions expressed concerns that the flight could have been shot down, given the ongoing conflicts in the area. The firm has previously issued numerous alerts regarding drone attacks and air defense activities.
Experts examining the wreckage noted the damage suggests possible involvement from military systems, with comparisons drawn to the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014. However, government officials, including those in Russia and Kazakhstan, have urged caution and restraint in jumping to conclusions about the cause.
On this day of remembrance, Azerbaijan observed a moment of silence, with national flags at half-mast and various forms of transport halted to honor the lives lost in this tragic incident.
This sobering event shines a light on the need for thorough investigations into air safety and the importance of accountability in aviation operations, particularly in regions affected by military conflicts. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that answers will emerge to prevent such tragedies in the future.