Thu Dec 26 11:27:43 UTC 2024: ## Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Kills 38 Near Aktau, Kazakhstan
**Aktau, Kazakhstan** – A tragic plane crash near the Kazakh city of Aktau has claimed the lives of 38 people. An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed on Wednesday after reportedly being rerouted due to fog. The aircraft, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, attempted an emergency landing near Aktau, resulting in 29 survivors.
Bodycam footage released by Kazakh rescuers depicts the devastating aftermath of the crash, showing firefighters battling the blaze and the scattered wreckage. The Kazakh transport ministry confirmed the nationalities of the passengers, including 37 Azerbaijanis, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyzstani citizens, and 16 Russians.
Flight data shows the plane deviated significantly from its planned route, crossing the Caspian Sea before circling the crash site. Social media videos, including one purportedly filmed by a passenger, depict the terrifying moments leading up to and following the impact, showcasing the chaos onboard. Another video shows a passenger praying amidst sounds of panic and the plane’s engine. The authenticity of these videos is still being verified. The investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
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