Azerbaijan Airlines tragedy new updates: Thirty two rescued after multiple emergency landing attempts

Thursday, December 26, 2024

A passenger plane carrying 67 people crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 survivors rescued from the wreckage.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, but had been rerouted to Aktau due to dense fog at its destination.

The flight, numbered J2-8243, was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members. Before crashing approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau Airport, the aircraft reportedly attempted several emergency landings, circling the area as it struggled with technical difficulties.

The plane transmitted a distress signal, citing a collision with a flock of birds and a steering malfunction as contributing factors.

Rescue Efforts and Survivor Updates

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations deployed 52 personnel and 11 units of equipment to the crash site. Upon arrival, rescue teams extinguished a fire that had engulfed the plane. Viral footage circulating on social media showed the aircraft bursting into flames upon impact, followed by chaotic scenes of rescue operations.

Survivors were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The airline confirmed that no children were among the passengers. “There are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance,” Azerbaijan Airlines stated in a social media post.

Passenger Nationalities and Incident Details

According to Kazakhstan’s transport ministry, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz, and 16 Russians. The airline clarified that the crash occurred after the pilots attempted to stabilize the plane by gaining speed and altitude, but control systems ultimately failed.

FlightRadar24 data showed the plane flying over the Caspian Sea before diverting toward Aktau. The aircraft made multiple circles near the airport as it struggled to land, eventually stalling before the crash.

Official Statements

Azerbaijan Airlines acknowledged the incident in a statement, promising additional updates to the public. “The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, flight numbered J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route, made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers near the city of Aktau,” the airline said.

Visuals from the crash site showed ambulances and emergency crews assisting passengers as some deboarded through the rear emergency exit of the aircraft.

Investigation Underway

Authorities from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia are working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that a bird strike damaged the aircraft, leading to a series of technical failures.

The tragedy has sparked widespread concern, with Azerbaijani and Kazakh officials pledging a thorough investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to assist survivors and recover evidence from the crash site.

Further updates on the condition of the survivors and the investigation are expected in the coming days.

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