A passenger plane carrying about 70 people has crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau, resulting in dozens of fatalities. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 caught fire during an emergency landing early Wednesday morning, leaving conflicting reports about the number of survivors and those on board.
Flight Details and Incident
The Embraer 190 aircraft departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, at 03:55 GMT, heading to Grozny, Russia. It was diverted due to heavy fog and attempted to land near Aktau. Reports suggest that the plane collided with a flock of birds before the crash, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Survivors and Casualties
Kazakh and Azerbaijani authorities report varying figures for those on board and survivors. The airline stated there were 62 passengers and five crew members on the plane, but other sources put the total at 72. Survivor counts range from 28 to 32.
Most passengers were Azerbaijani nationals, with some from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Unverified footage shows survivors emerging from the wreckage, many with visible injuries.
Emergency Landing and Crash
The crash occurred approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Aktau. Video footage shows the plane descending at high speed with its landing gear deployed before bursting into flames upon impact. The aircraft reportedly broke apart as it landed.
Investigations Underway
Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations into the crash. Embraer, the Brazilian manufacturer of the Embraer 190, stated it is “ready to assist all relevant authorities.” The company is known for its strong safety record and competes as a smaller rival to Boeing and Airbus.
This tragedy underscores the dangers of aviation emergencies, particularly when weather and environmental factors are involved. Updates will follow as investigations provide more clarity.
