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A tragic plane crash has unfolded near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, when an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet carrying 62 passengers and five crew members plummeted during an emergency landing. Initial reports confirm at least 32 survivors, with several critically injured and receiving urgent medical care. Tragically, both pilots are believed to have perished in the crash.
The Embraer 190, en route from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya, faced rerouting due to heavy fog in Grozny. Kazakhstan's transport ministry reported that the aircraft attempted an emergency landing two miles from Aktau, a significant oil and gas hub near the Caspian Sea. Eyewitness accounts and unverified video footage reveal the aircraft descending steeply before bursting into flames upon impact, sending thick plumes of smoke skyward. Survivors, some visibly injured, were seen emerging from the wreckage.
Emergency response was swift, with over 150 rescuers and medical personnel mobilized to the scene. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze while specialists from Astana were dispatched to provide advanced care. "This is a tragic day for all involved," stated Kazakhstan's health minister, emphasizing the priority of treating survivors.
Preliminary investigations indicate a possible bird strike might have forced the emergency landing. Russian aviation authorities corroborated this, citing early evidence of the collision with a flock of birds. Additional complications included severe GPS jamming, a recurring issue in the region, potentially affecting the aircraft's navigational systems.
The Embraer 190 carried citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Azerbaijan Airlines disputed initial reports that children were among the passengers. "Our priority is ensuring survivors receive the best medical assistance while supporting affected families through a dedicated hotline," the airline affirmed in a statement.
Leaders worldwide extended condolences. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev cut short a summit in Russia to address the tragedy, while Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed profound sympathy. Mehriban Aliyeva, Azerbaijan's First Lady and Vice President, remarked on the "heartbreaking loss," urging for strength among the bereaved families.
As investigations continue, a joint commission has been established to uncover the crash's exact causes. The tragic event underscores the complexities of aviation safety, with factors like weather, technical issues, and environmental risks playing critical roles.
