Overview of the Incident
A passenger plane carrying approximately 70 people crashed on Christmas Day in Kazakhstan, resulting in dozens of fatalities. The tragic accident involved Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, which originated in Azerbaijan and was bound for Grozny, Russia.
Key Details of the Crash
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | J2-8243 (Azerbaijan Airlines) |
| Aircraft Model | Embraer 190 |
| Departure Time | 03:55 GMT (Baku, Azerbaijan) |
| Crash Time | Around 06:28 GMT |
| Location of Crash | Near Aktau, Kazakhstan (3 km from Aktau Airport) |
| Passengers and Crew | 62 passengers and 5 crew (some reports suggest 72 total) |
| Survivors | Estimated between 28 and 32 survivors |
| Possible Cause | Collision with birds (unconfirmed), fog-related diversion |
| Nationalities On Board | Mostly Azerbaijani, with passengers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan |
Emergency Landing Gone Wrong
The Embraer 190 aircraft attempted an emergency landing near the Kazakh city of Aktau after encountering difficulties during its flight. According to the airline, the plane crash-landed about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Aktau Airport and burst into flames upon impact. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that the flight departed from Baku, Azerbaijan, at 03:55 GMT and crashed at approximately 06:28 GMT.
Possible Causes of the Crash
Preliminary reports suggest the plane may have collided with a flock of birds, contributing to the accident. However, this information remains unconfirmed as investigations continue. Local weather conditions, including dense fog, may have also played a role in the aircraft’s diversion and subsequent crash.
Conflicting Numbers on Casualties and Survivors
Authorities have reported differing numbers of casualties and survivors:
- Onboard Passengers: The airline reported 62 passengers and 5 crew members, while other sources suggest the total number was 72.
- Survivors: Initial reports indicate between 28 and 32 people survived the crash, according to Azerbaijan officials.
Nationalities of Passengers
The majority of those on board were Azerbaijani nationals, with others hailing from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Shocking Footage Captures Final Moments
Video footage from the incident shows the aircraft approaching the ground at high speed with its landing gear deployed before erupting into flames. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene as emergency responders rushed to the crash site.
Investigation Underway
Officials from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are cooperating to determine the exact cause of the crash. This includes examining flight data and interviewing survivors and witnesses.
Stay Updated on This Tragic Event
Further updates will follow as more details emerge about this devastating Christmas Day crash in Kazakhstan.
