Azerbaijan Airlines Flight Crashes in Kazakhstan, 38 Dead and 29 Injured.

Kazakhstan:

An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet, flight J2-8243, tragically crashed near the city of Aktau today, killing 38 people. The flight had been en route from Azerbaijan to Russia when it deviated hundreds of miles off its planned route, ultimately crashing near the Caspian Sea. Authorities confirmed that 29 survivors, including two children, were rescued and are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

The cause of the crash remains unclear. Russian aviation officials initially suggested a possible bird strike as the reason for the emergency, but experts have cast doubt on this theory. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev stated that the plane altered its course due to poor weather, but emphasized that the cause of the crash must be fully investigated. The incident occurred shortly after drone strikes disrupted airports in southern Russia, leading to speculation that these attacks might have played a role, although officials have not confirmed any direct link.

A harrowing video of the crash showed the aircraft rapidly descending before bursting into flames upon hitting the shore. Thick black smoke rose from the wreckage as bloodied and bruised survivors could be seen emerging from the fuselage.

The flight was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members at the time of the crash. Kazakhstan’s emergency services quickly extinguished the fire, and recovery operations are ongoing. The devastating tragedy has left the Azerbaijani people in mourning, with President Aliyev expressing his sorrow over the loss of lives.