Picture credits: Reuters
Aktau: On December 25, 2024, Wednesday an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane crashed in Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people and 29 survivors.
Flight details and deviation
The airplane was flying from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia. Due to bad weather, notably fog at Grozny, the flight was diverted to Aktau. During the approach, the crew reported an emergency and the jet crashed near Aktau International Airport, catching fire.
Picture credits: FlightRadar24’s X account
According to FlightRadar24, the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 encountered “strong GPS jamming” before the disaster, disrupting the aircraft’s ADS-B data transmission. This information has caused concerns.
The majority of passengers were Azerbaijanis, with a few Russians headed to Grozny and others from Kazakhstan or foreign connections. People were either going for family reunions, medical appointments, or business purposes.
Casualties and Survivors
Of the 67 people on board—62 passengers and 5 crew members—38 died, including the two pilots. The 29 survivors, including two children, were sent to closest hospitals, where several were said to be in critical condition.
Investigation and Speculations
Initial reports suggested that a bird strike may have caused the tragedy. Concerns regarding possible external repercussions, such as the plane being purposefully targeted by military defenses due to regional geopolitical turmoil, have been voiced by certain experts and witnesses. A comprehensive investigation is being conducted to find out the exact cause of the tragedy, with the plane’s black box located.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the significance of a thorough investigation. Both Azerbaijani and Kazakh officials are working closely to ascertain the facts surrounding this tragic incident.
In light of this tragedy, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights on the Baku-Grozny route until the investigation is complete. Aviation officials advise airlines to use additional caution while operating in regions with military activity or adverse weather.
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