In a tragic aviation accident, an Embraer 190 aircraft, operating under flight number J2-8243, crashed near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau. The flight, which originated from Baku, Azerbaijan was en route to Grozny, Russia, and it had 67 people onboard. 

According to Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, the crash has resulted in a devastating toll, with initial reports indicating more than 30 fatalities. Miraculously, at least 32 passengers survived the catastrophic incident.

The Ministry has been actively coordinating the emergency response and providing updates as rescue efforts continue.

The aircraft was traveling from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku to Grozny in the North Caucasus when it encountered an in-flight emergency that necessitated a diversion to Aktau, Kazakhstan. Onboard were 67 individuals, comprising 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals, including five crew members. 

Preliminary reports from aviation authorities suggest that a bird strike may have precipitated the emergency situation, leading to critical navigation challenges for the crew.

Eyewitness accounts and mobile phone videos circulating online show that the aircraft descended steeply before crashing into the ground and erupting into flames. The footage shows significant portions of the fuselage torn away from the wings, with the remainder of the aircraft lying upside down in the grass near the crash site. 

These videos, consistent with the airline’s livery and the aircraft’s registration number, give a visual confirmation of the severity of the crash.

The situation regarding casualties and survivors has evolved as search and rescue operations progressed. Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry initially reported 25 survivors, but subsequent updates have revised this number to 29 hospitalized survivors, including two children. 

The ministry has also confirmed the recovery of four bodies so far. At the same time, the exact number of fatalities remains uncertain. The survivors, some of whom are critically injured, are currently receiving medical treatment in local hospitals.

Further development and investigations 

Immediately following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines took swift action to address the tragedy, changing its social media banners to solid black in mourning and committing to keep the public informed as details unfolded. The airline has been closely cooperating with emergency services to aid in the rescue operations and support the victims’ families.

In Kazakhstan, emergency services quickly mobilized to the crash site, providing medical assistance and coordinating rescue efforts. The robust response included deploying numerous emergency workers and medical teams to treat the injured and support recovery operations.

Internationally, the incident drew a swift response from Russia. President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences and directed Russia’s Emergency Ministry to dispatch a plane equipped with medical workers and emergency equipment to assist Kazakhstan in managing the aftermath of the crash.

Preliminary investigations into the cause of the crash have focused on a possible bird strike and subsequent GPS jamming, which may have led to navigation difficulties. FlightRadar24 reported that strong GPS jamming had caused the aircraft to transmit erroneous ADS-B data, complicating the flight path before the crash.

The aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, expressed their readiness to assist with the investigation, in a statement to the Associated Press, emphasizing their commitment to understanding the factors leading to this accident. Additionally, Azerbaijani authorities have dispatched a high-level delegation, including the country’s Emergency Situations Minister and Deputy General Prosecutor, to Aktau to lead an on-site investigation.

President Ilham Aliyev has also cut short his visit to Russia, where he was scheduled to attend a Commonwealth of Independent States meeting in St. Petersburg. 

Upon his return, Aliyev issued a statement of deep sorrow, extending his condolences to the victims’ families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his condolences in direct communication with President Aliyev and during his address at the CIS meeting, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on the region and the collaborative response efforts.

As the investigation continues, authorities from all involved nations are working diligently to provide updates and support to those affected.

Azerbaijan Airlines has pledged ongoing transparency and regular updates regarding the investigation’s progress and the measures being taken in response to the crash.