Baku/Astana: An Embraer passenger jet operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, resulting in a devastating scene. The flight, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, before veering hundreds of miles off its scheduled course. Kazakh authorities confirmed that 32 survivors, including two children, were rescued.
Details of the Crash
Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was forced to make an emergency landing after what Russian aviation authorities suggested was a bird strike. The Embraer 190 jet ended its journey on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea near Aktau, far from its intended destination. Videos captured the aircraft descending rapidly before crashing and erupting into flames, producing thick black smoke visible from a distance. Passengers with visible injuries were seen emerging from the wreckage.
An Azerbaijan Airlines plane flying from Baku to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan with 62 passengers and five crew on board. At least 32 survivors had been rescued https://t.co/HfYhvfbmY2 pic.twitter.com/nRYtlBevbB
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 25, 2024
Kazakhstan’s emergency ministry reported that fire services extinguished the flames, while survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital. The recovery of victims’ bodies is underway. Authorities have not clarified why the plane deviated from its route, though the incident coincided with drone strikes in southern Russia, leading to the temporary closure of nearby airports.
Aviation Tracking and Investigation
Tracking data revealed that the flight initially followed its planned route along the west coast of the Caspian Sea before disappearing from radar. It reappeared near Aktau, circling the airport before crashing on the shore. Russia’s aviation watchdog stated on Telegram, “Preliminary: after a collision with birds, due to an emergency situation on board, its commander decided to ‘go’ to an alternate airfield – Aktau was chosen.”
The airport in Makhachkala, Russia, which was closest to the jet’s last tracked location, had been closed to incoming flights for several hours on Wednesday morning. Authorities from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan announced a joint investigation, with Kazakh officials forming a government commission to ensure assistance for the victims’ families.
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Global Condolences and Reactions
World leaders expressed their condolences following the tragic incident. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cut short his visit to Russia, where he was scheduled to attend a summit, to address the crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also extended sympathies, with Kadyrov noting the critical condition of some hospitalized survivors.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the cause of the crash and providing support to the affected families.
