National Day of Mourning Declared
Azerbaijan commenced a national day of mourning on Thursday following a tragic plane crash on Christmas Day in western Kazakhstan. An Embraer 190 jet operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, initially bound from Baku to Grozny, Chechnya, veered off its intended path across the Caspian Sea and crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Casualties and Survivors
The incident claimed the lives of 38 out of the 67 individuals on board, consisting of 62 passengers and five crew members. According to Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, 29 survivors, including three children, were hospitalized after the crash.
Official Responses and Investigations
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning and canceled his attendance at a Commonwealth of Independent States summit in Russia to address the crisis. He has ordered an immediate investigation into the disaster’s causes, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. The recovery of the aircraft’s black box was reported by Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC, which will aid in understanding the flight’s final moments.
Details of the Crash
The plane was carrying passengers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. It attempted an emergency landing roughly three kilometers from Aktau, where a fire ensued upon impact. The Kazakh emergency ministry confirmed that 150 workers were involved in managing the aftermath, including extinguishing the fire. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with initial speculation about a bird strike being retracted by Azerbaijan Airlines.
Human Stories from the Scene
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes at the crash site. A local woman named Elmira, who rushed to assist, recounted the survivors’ cries for help, with some covered in blood and in despair. The Kazakh health ministry arranged for specialized doctors to be flown in from Astana to provide medical aid.
International Reaction
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his condolences to Aliyev, and Russian emergency support was dispatched to Aktau. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva also expressed their grief and condolences through public statements.
Ongoing Inquiry
An investigative team from Azerbaijan, led by the deputy prosecutor general, is on the ground in Kazakhstan to delve into all possible scenarios behind this tragic event. The focus remains on uncovering the truth while supporting those affected by this devastating incident.
