Jobaaj Stories
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer ERJ-190 flight, en route from Baku to Grozny in Russia, tragically crashed near Aqtau city in Kazakhstan. The flight was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members when it faced severe complications, leading to this catastrophic incident. Reports indicate that 39 people lost their lives, while 28 survived the initial impact. Among the survivors, 21 were hospitalized, including an 11-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy.
Cause of the Crash
Preliminary reports suggest the crash was caused by multiple factors, including poor visibility due to dense fog. The flight was initially re-routed to Aqtau International Airport, located approximately 1,800 km away, due to unfavorable weather conditions at its destination.
As the plane approached the airport, it experienced an unspecified crisis, prompting the pilots to request an emergency landing. However, the aircraft never managed to land safely. Eyewitnesses and experts have speculated that a flock of birds might have struck the aircraft, damaging one of its engines. Despite the pilots’ efforts to regain control, the plane lost speed and altitude, ultimately crashing about three kilometers from the airport.
Heartbreaking Footage
Videos shared by news agencies like BNO News Live captured the harrowing moments before the crash. In one two-and-a-half-minute video, the plane is seen jerking up and down mid-air before going into a steep dive. For 36 seconds, the aircraft struggles before bursting into flames and breaking into pieces upon impact.
Additional footage from Kazakhstan's ORDA news agency showed survivors being pulled from the wreckage. Emergency responders and civilians worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped under debris, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
Passenger Details
The Kazakh Transport Ministry provided a breakdown of those onboard:
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Azerbaijan: 37 passengers
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Kazakhstan: 6 passengers
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Kyrgyzstan: 3 passengers
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Russia: 16 passengers
The fatalities include 39 individuals, with the remaining 28 passengers miraculously surviving.
Reactions and Aftermath
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, upon learning of the disaster, cut short his official visit to Russia. The country’s First Lady and Vice President, Mehriban Aliyeva, expressed her profound sadness, stating:
"I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic loss of lives in the plane crash near Aktau."
Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. The aviation authorities in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are collaborating to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies in the future.
