A devastating plane crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger aircraft near Aktau Airport, Kazakhstan, has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 38 individuals, with an additional 29 people sustaining injuries. The aircraft was on a flight from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but had to be rerouted to Aktau due to poor visibility caused by fog.
Carrying 69 individuals in total—64 passengers and five crew members—the crash has left 29 survivors, many of whom have been hospitalized, including two children. Officials are currently determining the final tally of casualties and injured.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a bird strike may have triggered engine failure, leading to the emergency landing attempt. In response, Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with cooperation from Kazakhstan’s authorities.
The composition of the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, six from Kazakhstan, three from Kyrgyzstan, and 16 from Russia. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Emergency Situations reported that a dedicated team is on-site, providing substantial support for the ongoing investigation alongside the necessary emergency response efforts, which include hundreds of personnel and specialized equipment.
In light of this tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has canceled his scheduled participation in a meeting with leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Russia. Both he and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed their condolences to the families affected by the crash and committed to providing assistance to the survivors.
Azerbaijan’s aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, is also monitoring the developments closely and has pledged its support to the investigation. Investigators from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are collaborating to ascertain the full details surrounding this incident.
While the loss is profoundly sorrowful, the strength and support shown across nations highlight a commitment to uncovering the truth and aiding those affected. The cooperation between authorities reflects a united front in addressing this disaster, which can foster hope for improving aviation safety measures in the future.