Wed Dec 25 12:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijani Airliner Crashes in Kazakhstan, Dozens Feared Dead
**Aktau, Kazakhstan –** An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, resulting in a significant loss of life. The aircraft, carrying 67 people (five crew and 62 passengers), was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russia, when it made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers from the city.
Initial reports indicated a bird strike may have caused an emergency situation onboard, prompting the pilot to divert. However, flight tracking data also revealed potential GPS jamming in the area. While the final death toll remains unconfirmed, at least 32 survivors have been reported, with over 30 people feared dead. The number of survivors continued to rise as rescue operations progressed. At least 29 survivors have been hospitalized. Four bodies have been recovered.
The passengers comprised citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Mobile phone footage shows the plane making a steep descent before impacting the ground.
Both Azerbaijani and Kazakhstani authorities, along with Embraer, are investigating the crash. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences and returned from a trip to St. Petersburg to oversee the response. Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered condolences. An official Azerbaijani delegation has been dispatched to Aktau for an on-site investigation. Azerbaijan Airlines has stated that they will keep the public updated on the situation.
First Piper 