Azerbaijani airliner crash/ Kazakhstan plane crash/ Aktau air crash/ Embraer 190 crash/ aviation safety news/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ An Azerbaijani airliner en route to Russia crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 survivors and more than 30 feared dead. The Embraer 190 experienced an emergency, reportedly due to a bird strike, before descending into a fireball. Rescue efforts continue, with international support and investigations underway. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning to honor the victims.
Azerbaijani Airliner Crash in Kazakhstan: Quick Looks
- Survivors and Fatalities: At least 32 survived, with over 30 potentially dead. Many survivors remain hospitalized, some critically.
- Crash Details: The Embraer 190 diverted to Aktau after a reported bird strike but crashed 3 km from the airport.
- Passengers’ Nationalities: 42 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, six Kazakhstani, and three Kyrgyzstani were onboard.
- Emergency Efforts: Rescue teams continue operations as investigations focus on mechanical failure and GPS jamming.
- International Response: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have launched probes; Russian aid arrived to assist efforts.
Azerbaijani Plane Crash in Kazakhstan Claims Over 30 Lives
Deep Look
A tragic crash involving an Azerbaijani airliner unfolded Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, leaving 32 survivors and more than 30 feared dead. The Embraer 190, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, had been flying from Baku to Grozny, Russia, when it encountered an emergency, reportedly caused by a bird strike.
The Incident
The crash occurred roughly 3 kilometers from Aktau Airport after the pilot attempted an emergency landing. Videos circulating online show the plane making a steep descent before hitting the ground in a fiery explosion. Footage also revealed parts of the fuselage torn from the aircraft and resting upside down in grass near the wreckage.
Flight data from FlightRadar24 suggests erratic altitude changes moments before the crash, while the aircraft also faced reported GPS jamming, a recurring issue in the region. These disruptions may have contributed to the crash, though investigations are ongoing.
Casualties and Survivors
Initial reports from Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed that 29 survivors, including two children, were hospitalized. The number later rose to 32 survivors, some in critical condition. Tragically, both pilots are believed to have died, and over 30 fatalities are suspected. Rescue workers have recovered four bodies so far.
The aircraft carried 67 individuals, including passengers and five crew members. Among them were 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhstani, and three Kyrgyzstani nationals.
International Support and Mourning
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared December 26 a national day of mourning, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured. Aliyev returned to Azerbaijan from Russia upon hearing news of the crash, canceling his attendance at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) meeting in St. Petersburg.
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his sympathies in a phone call with Aliyev and announced that Russia’s Emergency Ministry had dispatched a plane equipped with medical supplies and personnel to assist in the aftermath.
Investigations and Next Steps
Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have launched investigations into the crash. Initial reports indicate that a bird strike caused an “emergency situation on board,” leading the pilot to divert to Aktau. However, the role of GPS jamming and the plane’s mechanical condition remain under scrutiny.
Embraer, the manufacturer of the Embraer 190 aircraft, issued a statement expressing readiness to assist investigators. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Airlines has promised to provide updates and changed its social media banners to black in mourning.
Rising Questions About Flight Safety
The crash has reignited concerns about aviation safety in regions prone to GPS interference and highlighted the vulnerability of aircraft in emergency situations. The Embraer 190 model has a solid safety record, making the circumstances surrounding this crash particularly alarming.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
As rescue teams continue their work at the crash site, survivors and their families grapple with the aftermath of this devastating incident. Videos from the scene show passengers pulling others from the wreckage, underscoring the bravery and quick thinking that likely saved lives.
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