In a devastating incident, an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed on Wednesday near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the loss of 38 lives out of the 67 people on board. The Embraer 190 aircraft, initially en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, deviated from its course and went down near the Caspian Sea’s eastern shore.
Flight Radar data revealed the plane veered off its usual path before circling and crashing near Aktau, a key oil and gas hub. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev confirmed the casualties, while Azerbaijan Airlines reported the flight carried 62 passengers and five crew members.
The Kazakh emergency ministry announced that 28 survivors, including two children, have been hospitalized. The plane’s passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz, and 16 Russians.
An investigation has been launched by Kazakhstan, with Azerbaijani authorities actively participating. President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning and canceled a planned visit to Russia, emphasizing the urgent need to uncover the crash’s causes.
Rescue efforts involved 150 emergency workers who extinguished a fire at the crash site. Specialist doctors were dispatched from Astana to treat the injured.
International condolences poured in, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov expressing their sympathies. Azerbaijan’s First Lady, Mehriban Aliyeva, also extended her heartfelt condolences and wishes for the recovery of the injured.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the tragedy and supporting the victims’ families.
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