Astana, Kazakhstan – A devastating plane crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight has claimed the lives of 38 people near the Kazakh city of Aktau. The Embraer 190 aircraft was carrying 67 passengers and crew when it made an emergency landing on Wednesday, approximately three kilometers (1.8 miles) from its intended destination.
The crash left 29 survivors, including two children, who were pulled from the wreckage in a massive rescue operation, according to Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. However, 11 survivors remain in critical condition.
Rescue Efforts and Survivor Accounts
Video footage from the crash site shows the moment stunned survivors emerged from the charred remains of the plane. Eyewitness Elmira, a volunteer rescuer, described the scene as “heart-wrenching,” recounting how survivors, some bloodied and in shock, were led to safety in freezing conditions.
“A little girl begged me to save her mother,” Elmira said, fighting back tears. “We kept the survivors warm on a bus until ambulances arrived.”
Investigation Underway
Authorities have located the plane’s black box, which will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest the pilot attempted an emergency landing following a bird strike. However, weather conditions and other factors are also under investigation.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that rescue teams extinguished the blazing wreckage upon arrival. Officials confirmed that none of the Kazakh nationals on board survived the crash.
International Response
Azerbaijan has declared a national day of mourning on December 26, and President Ilham Aliyev has cut short his trip to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences, offering medical support and assistance with the investigation.
Suspended Flights and Further Measures
Azerbaijan Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to Grozny and nearby regions until the investigation concludes. The Embraer 190 aircraft had reportedly undergone a full technical inspection in October, and the pilot was highly experienced, with over 15,000 flight hours.
The tragedy has sparked a pre-trial investigation under Kazakhstan’s criminal code for violating safety rules during the operation of a vehicle, resulting in accidental deaths.
As the world mourns this heartbreaking incident, the investigation continues to uncover the factors leading to this catastrophic event.
