Azerbaijian Airlines plane crash claims 38 lives

The plane crash near Aktau has claimed 38 confirmed fatalities, according to Kazakhstan transport minister Marat Karabayev, Azerbaijan State News Agency (Azertac) reported.

“There were 67 people on board – 62 passengers and five crew members. Unfortunately, 38 people died, and 29 survived,” Karabayev stated during a briefing in Aktau.

Among the victims, 23 of the 37 Azerbaijani citizens on board died, and 14 survived. All three passengers from Kyrgyzstan survived. Of the 16 Russian citizens, seven died, and nine survived. All six Kazakh citizens on the plane died.

The aircraft crew consisted of five members: two died, and three survived.

The Azerbaijan Airlines plane was operating a flight en route from Baku to Grozny when it crashed on Wednesday morning near Aktau.

Commission meets

Azertac further reported that the State Commission, established under the directives of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to investigate the causes of the plane crash, convened its meeting on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Ali Asadov, who chairs the commission, emphasised that Aliyev has taken charge of investigations into the incident.

The commission addressed several urgent issues, including providing necessary assistance to those injured in the accident. Health Minister Teymur Musayev was tasked with coordinating medical assistance for the injured in collaboration with the Kazakh side.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the ongoing efforts to identify the individuals who lost their lives in the crash. Immediate tasks were assigned to support the families and relatives of the injured and deceased.

Family members and relatives of the passengers involved in the plane crash were promptly notified through the hotline set up at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. They also received psychological support and other necessary assistance.

In collaboration with Kazakh authorities, the Prosecutor-General’s Office of Azerbaijan is investigating the causes of the incident and pursuing a criminal case. The commission has been instructed to provide frequent public updates on the investigation’s progress.

Additionally, it was noted that, if required and with medical consent, arrangements have been made to evacuate Azerbaijani citizens injured in the crash and currently being treated in Aktau, returning them to Azerbaijan.

The meeting emphasised the ongoing cooperation with Kazakh counterparts at the government level to provide necessary assistance to the injured and address any emerging issues. Commission members were given instructions to carry out their respective responsibilities.

Thorough probe

Aliyev said the matter regarding the plane crash must be thoroughly investigated.

“The Azerbaijan Airlines plane, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, changed its course due to worsening weather conditions and began heading towards Aktau Airport, where the crash occurred during landing,” said Aliyev during a meeting on the plane crash.

The head of state further stated: “There are videos of the plane crash available in the media and on social networks, and everyone can watch them. However, the reasons for the crash are not yet known to us. There are various theories, but I believe it is premature to discuss them. The matter must be thoroughly investigated.”

Flights on the Baku-Grozny-Baku and Baku-Makhachkala-Baku routes have been suspended until the investigation is concluded, Azertac reported.

“Until the investigation is concluded, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights on the Baku-Grozny-Baku and Baku-Makhachkala-Baku routes,” Azerbaijan Airlines told Azertac.

“All other flights will be operated as scheduled,” Azerbaijan Airlines added.

National mourning

Aliyev has declared Thursday as a national day of mourning over the plane crash.

She signed an official order to observe the day of mourning in response to the tragedy on Wednesday.

Aliyev, who was in Russia’s airspace en route to St Petersburg for a summit at the time, ordered his flight to return upon learning of the accident.

The aircraft with flight number J2-8243 crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Emergency Situations Ministry has reported 28 survivors, while rescue operations are underway.

There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and five crew members, Azerbaijan Airlines said on X.

No M’sians involved

Wisma Putra confirmed no Malaysians were involved in the crash. It extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the statement read.

For assistance or further information, Malaysians may contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Astana at 26 Sarayshyk Street, Diplomatic District, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan, via telephone at +7 (7172) 79 06 90, +7 (7172) 79 06 95, or +7 777 079 0014, or by email at mwastana@kln.gov.my.

According to international media reports, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from Baku to Grozny when it caught fire during an emergency landing near Aktau.

- Bernama

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