An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on December 24, 2024, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives. The Embraer 190 aircraft (Reg. 4K-AZ65), which was operating flight J28243, en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, had diverted its course due to heavy fog in Grozny, leading to an emergency landing attempt that ended in disaster.
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The flight, carrying 67 individuals, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members, attempted to land approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau's airport. Preliminary reports from the Kazakhstani authorities confirmed the death toll and highlighted that 29 people survived the crash, with some in critical condition. The survivors, including two children, were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbayev, confirmed the grim statistics during a meeting with Azerbaijani officials. The plane's wreckage was found engulfed in flames, with emergency services managing to extinguish the fire. The scene was chaotic, with video footage showing the aircraft descending erratically before impact and subsequent explosion.
The flight's path had taken an unusual turn across the Caspian Sea, which officials have yet to fully explain. However, the incident occurred shortly after drone strikes in southern Russia, which might have influenced the decision to divert the flight. The nearest Russian airport on the plane’s intended path was closed that morning, possibly due to these security concerns. Azerbaijan Airlines reported that the aircraft made an emergency landing due to an onboard situation, with preliminary indications pointing towards a possible bird strike or mechanical failure. The airline has suspended all flights from Baku to Grozny and Makhachkala until the investigation is complete. They've also set up a hotline for the families of those on board.
Both Azerbaijani and Kazakhstani authorities, along with Russian counterparts, have initiated investigations into the crash. The black box, crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the disaster, was recovered, promising insights into the cause of the crash. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev declared December 26 as a day of mourning, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. This tragic event has left a profound impact on both nations, with condolences pouring in from around the world. The focus now turns to understanding the exact cause of the crash to prevent future incidents in an industry where safety is paramount.