A tragic plane crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines flight has left dozens dead, prompting an international investigation into the cause of the disaster. The plane, an Airbus A320 en route from Baku to Almaty, deviated hundreds of miles off course before crashing near the Kazakhstan-Russia border on December 26. Officials report that the crash resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors.
The flight departed from Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan, bound for Kadyrov Grozny International Airport in Grozny, Russia. Due to foggy conditions at the destination, the aircraft was rerouted to Aktau International Airport in Kazakhstan. During its approach, the plane crashed approximately 5 kilometers from the airport.
The aircraft was carrying 67 individuals: 62 passengers and 5 crew members. Among the 38 deceased were both pilots. The 29 survivors, including several children, were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of a bird strike; however, survivors reported hearing an explosion and experiencing shrapnel damage prior to the crash. Additionally, some experts have speculated about the potential involvement of Russian air defense systems, though no conclusive evidence has been presented.
“Video of the wreckage and the circumstances around the airspace security environment in southwest Russia indicates the possibility the aircraft was hit by some form of antiaircraft fire,” said Matt Borie, chief intelligence officer at Osprey said in an interview, according to Wall Street Journal.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared a national day of mourning and initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, according to Fox News. Kazakhstan’s Senate Chairman, Maulen Ashimbayev, stated that the cause of the crash is currently unknown and urged against premature conclusions.
The international community has expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has offered assistance in the investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.
“I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash… and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, according to The Irish Sun.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge patience and caution against speculation. The focus remains on uncovering the factors that led to this tragic event to enhance aviation safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
