A plane crash in Kazakhstan has resulted in at least 29 survivors, while many others remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue. The aircraft, carrying 67 people, was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan to Grozny in Russia. The flight met its tragic end near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, early on Wednesday.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that their teams found the aircraft engulfed in flames upon arrival. Rescue units extinguished the fire and began tending to the survivors. Eyewitnesses described seeing bloodied passengers emerging from the wreckage, and a dramatic video captured the moment of escape.
The flight, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, had a total of 62 passengers and five crew members on board. The survivors include two children. All injured individuals have been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The scene continues to draw emergency responders and medical personnel as they race against time to locate any additional survivors.
Kazakhstan’s transport ministry confirmed the presence of international passengers, with 37 Azerbaijani nationals, six Kazakh citizens, three Kyrgyz, and 16 Russians among those on board. A preliminary statement by Russia’s aviation watchdog suggested that the pilot attempted an emergency landing following a bird strike. The plane was found 3 kilometers from its intended airfield, suggesting the pilot had tried to steer it to safety.
Mobile phone footage in circulation has shown the aircraft in a steep descent before it crashes and bursts into flames. This visual evidence aligns with accounts of the plane circling erratically before hitting the ground.
A commission has been set up by Kazakhstan’s government to probe the cause of the crash. Authorities from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan will work collaboratively on the investigation. An official statement from the Kazakh government emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry and assured that assistance would be provided to the families of the deceased and injured.
Locals near the crash site have reported a significant presence of emergency vehicles and law enforcement. The area remains cordoned off to ensure safety and facilitate ongoing rescue and investigative processes.
Residents of nearby Aktau city have expressed shock over the incident, with many acknowledging the swift response of emergency services. The crash has dominated local and international headlines, drawing attention from aviation authorities and experts interested in understanding how such an event unfolded.
Authorities have urged those with information about the crash to come forward and assist with the investigation. The focus remains on determining how and why the crash occurred, ensuring the safety of future flights in the region.
