In a tragic incident, dozens of passengers survived a plane crash in Kazakhstan, though 38 people lost their lives, according to local authorities. The Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was carrying 67 people when it attempted an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, early Wednesday morning.
The aircraft, en route to Grozny, Russia, was diverted due to dense fog, the airline stated. During its emergency landing, the plane caught fire approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Aktau. Dramatic footage captured the aircraft descending at high speed with its landing gear down before bursting into flames upon impact.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a collision with a flock of birds. However, air defense experts have raised concerns about potential external factors, including the possibility of damage caused by a missile. Justin Crump, an expert from risk advisory firm Sibylline, highlighted shrapnel patterns consistent with air defense activity near Grozny.
The flight had departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, at 03:55 GMT and crashed around 06:28, data from Flightradar24 revealed. Passengers included nationals from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Amidst the devastation, harrowing personal stories emerged. Survivors were seen crawling from the wreckage, some visibly injured. A woman traveling to Chechnya to visit her children perished, while another mother remains missing. One young woman shared her anguish as she awaited news of her father, who had been traveling with her brother.
Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations. The plane’s flight data recorder has been recovered, and the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, known for its strong safety record, has pledged its cooperation.
Flights between Baku and Russian cities Grozny and Makhachkala are suspended pending the investigation. The Kremlin has cautioned against speculation until the inquiry concludes. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous air safety protocols and the enduring resilience of survivors in the face of tragedy.
