New intel received pertaining to the devastating plane crash near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, has specified that the crash resulted in at least 32 survivors higher than the 25 originally reported in a previous article, including several critically injured passengers. The flight, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, when it veered off course, eventually crashing into the ground after bursting into flames.
The Embraer 190 aircraft, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, was forced off its planned route due to adverse conditions, and preliminary reports suggest a potential bird strike as a cause of the emergency. Kazakh authorities have confirmed that 29 survivors—reportedly including two children—are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry indicated that some of the survivors are in critical condition, but their identities and specific injuries have not been released.
The crash occurred approximately 2 miles (3 km) from Aktau, an oil and gas hub on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. The aircraft’s final moments were captured in unverified video footage, showing a steep descent and a fiery explosion upon impact. Emergency responders were quick to extinguish the flames at the crash site, with over 150 workers mobilized to assist the injured and secure the area.
Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the tragic incident, expressing profound condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died. The airline clarified that the passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, 6 Kazakhs, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens, with the flight primarily serving as a connection between Baku and Grozny. Contrary to early reports, the airline stated that there were no children aboard the aircraft.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with a focus on the possibility of a bird strike or mechanical failure. Kazakhstan’s government has established a commission to look into the incident, and a criminal investigation has been launched by Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office. Preliminary data from FlightRadar24 suggests irregularities with the aircraft’s GPS, possibly due to jamming in the region, an issue that has been previously linked to Russian activities.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, who was attending a summit in Russia at the time of the crash, returned to his country following the tragedy. In response to the disaster, Aliyev declared December 26 as a national day of mourning. The Azerbaijani First Lady, Mehriban Aliyeva, expressed her condolences via social media, extending sympathy to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his condolences to President Aliyev, with the Kremlin offering support to those affected by the crash. In Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the region, expressed sorrow over the incident and promised prayers for the recovery of the injured.
This incident is part of an ongoing investigation into the causes of the crash, with both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan cooperating closely. As rescue teams continue to provide medical care, authorities are working to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic event.
