Wed Dec 25 13:22:36 UTC 2024: ## Dozens Dead in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash in Kazakhstan
**Aktau, Kazakhstan/Baku, Azerbaijan –** A passenger plane crash near the Kazakh city of Aktau has resulted in numerous fatalities. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, an Embraer 190 en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, crashed while attempting an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau around 06:28 GMT on Wednesday. The aircraft, carrying between 62 and 72 people (depending on the source), caught fire upon impact.
Initial reports indicate a significant loss of life, with conflicting casualty figures emerging from Azerbaijani and Kazakh officials. While Azerbaijan claims at least 30 survivors, the exact number of fatalities remains unclear, with reports varying widely. The passengers were primarily Azerbaijani nationals, with some from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The flight was diverted to Aktau due to heavy fog in Grozny. Unverified video footage shows survivors escaping the burning wreckage, some with injuries. Speculation in Russian media suggests a bird strike may have contributed to the crash, though this has yet to be confirmed.
Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations into the incident. Embraer, the Brazilian manufacturer of the aircraft, has stated its readiness to cooperate fully. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
First Piper 