On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft, operating as Flight J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in significant loss of life. The flight, originating from Baku and destined for Grozny, was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members.

Incident Details

The aircraft encountered difficulties and made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau. Preliminary reports suggest that a bird strike may have caused the emergency. Upon impact, the plane burst into flames, leading to a catastrophic scene.

Casualties and Survivors

Out of the 67 individuals on board, 32 survived the crash, including two children. The survivors were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition. Tragically, the remaining passengers and crew members lost their lives in the accident.

Emergency Response

Kazakh emergency services responded swiftly to the crash site, extinguishing the fire and assisting survivors. A joint commission between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan has been established to investigate the cause of the crash, focusing on the reported bird strike and other potential factors.

Reactions

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. Azerbaijani authorities have dispatched a delegation to Kazakhstan to participate in the investigation and provide support.

Aircraft Information

The Embraer 190 involved in the crash was registered as 4K-AZ65 and had been in service since 2013. The aircraft was equipped with two General Electric CF34-10E6 engines.

Investigation

While initial reports point to a bird strike as a potential cause, the investigation will examine all possible factors, including mechanical failure and weather conditions. The aviation authorities aim to provide a comprehensive report to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion

This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the holiday season, with many families mourning the loss of their loved ones. The international aviation community awaits the findings of the investigation to understand the causes and to enhance safety measures for future flights.