Thu Dec 26 00:37:55 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijani Airliner Crash in Kazakhstan Kills at Least 38
**Aktau, Kazakhstan –** A devastating plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, has claimed the lives of at least 38 people. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed approximately 3 kilometers from the city on Wednesday, resulting in a sprawling rescue operation.
Twenty-nine survivors, including two children, were pulled from the wreckage, but 11 are in critical condition. The majority of the passengers were Azerbaijani citizens, with others from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The nationalities of all survivors have been confirmed as non-Kazakhstani.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with the plane reportedly circling erratically before a fiery crash landing. One rescuer described seeing bloodied survivors emerging from the burning wreckage and recounted a young girl pleading for help to save her mother.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, initial reports suggest a possible bird strike may have prompted an emergency landing attempt. The investigation is being jointly conducted by Kazakh and Azerbaijani authorities, with Russia also offering assistance. The plane’s black box has been recovered.
The incident prompted Azerbaijan Airlines to suspend flights from Baku to Grozny and Makhachkala pending the outcome of the investigation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences and pledged support. A Kazakhstani criminal investigation has been opened into potential safety violations.
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