An Azerbaijan Airlines flight bound for Russia crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, leaving 32 survivors from among the 67 passengers and crew on board. The Embraer 190 jet encountered an emergency, reportedly caused by a bird strike, forcing the plane off course to an alternate landing site. This tragic incident has raised questions about the flight’s unexpected deviation and the circumstances leading to the crash.
Crash Details and Survivors
The Embraer 190, operating as flight J2-8243, was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region. Kazakh authorities confirmed that the aircraft crashed approximately three kilometers from Aktau, a city on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. Emergency services extinguished the flames at the crash site and transported the injured, including two children, to a nearby hospital.
Unverified footage of the crash showed the aircraft descending rapidly before erupting in flames upon impact. Passengers, visibly injured and disoriented, were seen emerging from the wreckage. Authorities are recovering the bodies of those who perished while survivors receive medical care.
Possible Cause of the Crash
Russia’s aviation watchdog attributed the emergency to a potential bird strike. Officials stated that the pilot decided to divert to Aktau as an alternative landing site. However, it remains unclear why the flight deviated from its original route across the Caspian Sea, eventually crashing on the opposite coast.
Commercial flight tracking websites showed the plane initially following its intended route along the west coast of the Caspian Sea before disappearing from radar. It reappeared near Aktau airport, where it circled briefly before crashing on the shoreline.
Drone Strikes and Regional Context
Shortly before the crash, authorities reported drone strikes in Russian regions adjacent to Chechnya. Airports in the affected areas, including Makhachkala, temporarily suspended operations. While no direct link has been established between the drone activity and the crash, the regional instability may have contributed to the disruption of flight operations.
Investigation Underway
Kazakhstan has launched an investigation into the crash, forming a government commission to determine the cause and provide support to victims’ families. The country’s officials are collaborating with Azerbaijan to uncover the factors behind the incident.
Both Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed their condolences. Aliyev, who was in Russia for a summit, decided to return home following the tragedy. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also extended his sympathies, noting that some survivors remain in critical condition.
Global Condolences
Leaders from around the world, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, shared messages of support. Sharif expressed heartfelt condolences to Azerbaijan and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. “Pakistan stands with Azerbaijan in this hour of grief,” he said.
Next Steps
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the exact cause of the crash and the emergency measures taken. The tragedy highlights the need for enhanced safety measures and collaboration in addressing unforeseen aviation challenges.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
