Numerous casualties are anticipated following the crash of a passenger aircraft carrying 67 individuals in Kazakhstan, as reported by the nation’s emergency ministry.
Authorities have stated that 32 individuals survived the incident that occurred on Christmas morning, among them two children.
The flight operated by Azerbaijan Airlines was heading from Baku in Azerbaijan to Grozny in Russia, but had to be diverted due to foggy conditions.
The aircraft crashed close to the city of Aktau, situated in the western part of the country.
The site of the crash in Aktau. Pic: AP
Rescue teams at the crash site. Pic: Reuters
A video reportedly depicting the moment of the crash reveals the aircraft descending rapidly towards the earth, followed by an enormous burst of flames.
Images captured at the scene display the damaged tail of the Embraer 190 aircraft, with emergency personnel operating in the vicinity.
Authorities from Kazakhstan stated that over 50 rescue workers are present at the site, where the fire has been controlled.
The circumstances leading to the crash—pertaining to the plane, which transported 62 passengers and five crew members—remain unclear.
Flames visible during the crash. Pic: Reuters TV
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Those who survived are receiving medical attention at a nearby medical facility. Four bodies have already been retrieved.
Azerbaijan Airlines announced that the aircraft was compelled to conduct an emergency landing at Aktau airport.
The airline indicated that among the passengers, 37 were citizens of Azerbaijan, with an additional 16 being Russian nationals, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan.
According to a statement from Russia’s aviation authority, initial reports indicate that the pilot opted for an emergency landing after experiencing a bird strike.
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences to his Azerbaijani counterpart, as stated by the Kremlin.
Ramzan Kadyrov, an ally of Putin and leader of Chechnya, also expressed his sympathies, noting that the individuals hospitalized are in critical condition and that he and others would pray for their swift recovery.
