Azerbaijan Airlines Crash: Survivor Captures Before And After Videos From Inside Crashed Plain

A tragic plane crash near Kazakhstan's Aktau has resulted in the deaths of 38 individuals. The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, originally heading from Baku to Grozny in Russia's Chechnya, was diverted due to foggy conditions. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-190, took off at 3:55 am UTC and encountered severe GPS jamming before it stopped transmitting.

Rescue Efforts and Survivors

Kazakhstan's Emergency Ministry reported that 52 rescuers and 11 pieces of equipment were dispatched to the crash site. Fire services managed to extinguish the blaze, and survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. "Upon arrival, the aircraft was found on fire, and rescue teams began extinguishing the blaze," stated the ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev confirmed the death toll during discussions with Azerbaijani officials. The prosecutor general's office in Azerbaijan had earlier noted that 32 out of the 67 people on board survived. Among these passengers were five crew members.

Passenger Details and Nationalities

The ill-fated flight carried 67 passengers from various countries: 37 from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan. Russian media reported that ten Russian citizens survived the crash. Videos circulating on social media depicted the plane flying at a low altitude before crashing.

Kazakh media suggested that the plane circled over the airport multiple times before attempting an emergency landing. Russia's aviation watchdog mentioned that initial findings indicated a bird strike might have led to the emergency landing decision by the pilot.

Official Statements and Investigation

Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the incident on Instagram, stating: "The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flight numbered J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route, made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometres near the city of Aktau." Further details will be shared with the public as they become available.

Authorities are exploring various potential causes for this tragic event, including technical malfunctions. A national operations centre has been set up at Kazakhstan's Emergency Ministry headquarters to manage response efforts effectively.