Khaizuran RashidOn Christmas morning, heart-breaking news emerged from western Kazakhstan as an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed near the city of Aktau, leaving behind devastation and grief. The flight, which departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, was bound for Grozny, the capital of Chechnya in southern Russia. The incident has raised many questions as investigations continue.
The Plane Crash and Its Aftermath
Image credit: Mehmet Mustafa Çelik via Wikimedia Commons
Flight tracking data showed the plane deviating from its scheduled course over the Caspian Sea before circling near Aktau. The aircraft tried to make an emergency landing approximately 3km from the city but ultimately crashed. Witnesses recorded video footage showing the plane descending rapidly and catching fire upon impact.
The crash claimed the lives of 38 people on board, while 29 survived, including two children. The passengers included nationals from Azerbaijan (37), Kazakhstan (6), Kyrgyzstan (3), and Russia (16).
Emergency Response from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s emergency services acted swiftly, deploying 150 personnel to the site. Subsequently, firefighters extinguished the flames, and medical teams provided immediate care to the injured. Authorities flew in a specialised team of doctors from Astana to assist with treating the hospitalised survivors.
Condolences from Regional Leaders
The crash prompted an outpouring of condolences and support from leaders across the region. In light of the tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cancelled his planned visit to Russia for an informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States. “I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said in a statement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also expressed their condolences and offered support to those affected.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the crash. Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office confirmed that a team led by the deputy prosecutor general had been dispatched to Kazakhstan. The deviation of the plane from its flight path remains one of the many puzzling aspects of this tragedy.
As investigations continue and we await answers, we extend our thoughts to the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time.
