Christmas Turns Tragic: Plane Crash in Kazakhstan Claims Dozens
Christmas brought devastation as a passenger plane carrying 72 people crashed in Kazakhstan, the country’s emergencies ministry confirmed. Authorities have reported that six individuals miraculously survived the accident.
What just happened to Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243?? Flight Radar showed it having an emergency squawk 7700. The flight was erratic in altitude. #azerbaijan #planewatchers #avgeek #flightemergency pic.twitter.com/K6ApRsaPvK
— Zach Shapiro (@zrs70) December 25, 2024
The plane, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku to Grozny but was rerouted to Aktau due to poor visibility caused by heavy fog. Tragically, it crashed near the airport in Aktau, a city located in western Kazakhstan along the Caspian Sea.
The Embraer 190 aircraft operated by #Azerbaijan Airlines, flight numbered J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route, made an emergency landing and crashed approximately 3 kilometers near the city of #Aktau. #Azerbaijan @azalofficial #akatu #avgeek #Crash #aviation pic.twitter.com/6bioIT8Ybf
— Saleem Iqbal Qadri (@SaleemQadri_) December 25, 2024
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the aircraft engulfed in flames. Firefighting and rescue efforts commenced immediately as officials worked to extinguish the blaze and assess the situation.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations has stated that the total number of casualties is still being confirmed, while information about the survivors is being clarified.
Azerbaijan Airlines has yet to comment on the incident. The crash has left families and communities in shock during what was expected to be a time of celebration. Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to begin soon.
Aktau, known for its coastal charm and strategic economic significance, is now grappling with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
