Aktau, Kazakhstan – A passenger plane traveling from Azerbaijan to Russia has crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, according to the country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The aircraft, Flight J2-8243, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members. The Embraer 190 plane was en route from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya, but had to reroute due to dense fog in Grozny, as reported by Russian news agencies.
Crash and Emergency Landing
The plane was forced to make an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau. Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire, sending thick black smoke into the air. Emergency teams arrived promptly to extinguish the blaze.
Unverified videos from the crash site showed the plane engulfed in flames, with some sections of the fuselage remaining intact. Passengers were seen emerging bloodied and bruised from the wreckage.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Authorities confirmed that 27 people, including three children, survived the crash. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while recovery efforts for the deceased continued.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations mobilized 52 personnel and 11 units of equipment to assist in the rescue operation. The fire was completely extinguished, and search operations remain underway.
Possible Cause of the Crash
According to Russia’s aviation watchdog, the pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing due to a bird strike. However, Kazakh authorities have launched an investigation into other possible causes, including technical failure.
Reactions from Leaders
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cut short his visit to Russia, where he was scheduled to attend a summit, following the crash. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov expressed his condolences, saying those injured were in critical condition and called for prayers for their recovery.
Recent Plane Crash in Brazil
This tragic incident follows another fatal crash last week in Gramado, Brazil, where nine people died after a small plane crashed into a commercial area of the tourist city.
Ongoing Investigation
Kazakhstan’s authorities continue to investigate the crash while recovery efforts are underway. Families of the victims and survivors await answers as the nation mourns this tragic loss.
