Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes in Aktau, Kazakhstan PHOTO/VIDEO/UPDATED

Authorities in Kazakhstan are conducting an extensive investigation into the tragic plane crash that occurred in Aktau. The General Prosecutor’s Office of Azerbaijan is actively participating in efforts to identify the victims and support the families affected by the incident.

In a statement to Caliber.Az, the General Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that DNA samples are being collected from close relatives of the victims. These efforts are being carried out at the administrative building of the General Prosecutor's Office, located at 160 Suleyman Sani Akhundov Street, Binagadi District, Baku, near the “Darnagul” metro station.

Family members of the victims are urged to provide DNA samples at the designated address or at district and city prosecutor’s offices in their respective locations. For further information, families can contact the General Prosecutor’s Office via the Call Centre at “961,” the hotline “161,” or by phone at (012) 361 16 42.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev, provided an update during a press briefing. He confirmed that 67 individuals were on board the AZAL aircraft, including 62 passengers and five crew members. Tragically, 38 passengers lost their lives in the crash, while 29 survived.

Among the five crew members, three survived the incident, and two were killed. The authorities are working to provide support to the survivors and families of the deceased.

Further updates are expected as investigations progress and more details are uncovered about the cause of the crash.

20:56

A search team has successfully located the black box of the Embraer 190 aircraft that crashed near Aktau on December 25, 2024.

The announcement was made by Timur Suleimenov, chief transport prosecutor of Kazakhstan during a briefing in Aktau, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media.

The Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, identified by its registration number 4K-AZ65, was manufactured in 2013. The plane, which had a total of 9,949 landings and a cumulative flight time of 15,257.22 hours, was recently subjected to a full technical inspection on October 18, 2024. Since then, the aircraft had flown for 671 hours before the accident occurred.

AZAL confirmed that the aircraft's serial number is 19000630 and provided additional details regarding the flight crew. The plane was piloted by Captain Igor Kshnyakin, who had an extensive flight record, totaling over 15,000 flight hours, with approximately 11,200 hours as a captain.

19:50

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, currently in Aktau, provided new details about the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane.

Bozumbayev confirmed that 38 people have been reported dead, Caliber.Az reports citing Kazakh media.

He stated that the bodies, which are in poor condition and mostly burnt, have all been collected and are now at the morgue for identification.

Additionally, Bozumbayev revealed that 29 individuals, including two children, were injured in the incident. Of the injured, 11 are in stable but serious condition, while the rest are suffering from medium severity injuries. All the injured have been transferred to local hospitals for treatment.

19:39

Another video has emerged from the crash site of the AZAL plane.

19:25

Video footage has surfaced showing an Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, making an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometres from the city of Aktau.

18:27

In response to the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health and TƏBİB (Management Union of Medical Territorial Units) have deployed an ambulance team on standby at the airport. 

The crash, which occurred on the morning of December 25, took place just three kilometres from Aktau.

The Ministry of Health also shared with local media that a support group, formed by volunteers from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s Regional Development Public Association, is actively assisting in the response efforts, per Caliber.Az.

"A State Commission, established by an order from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, is investigating the condition of those injured in the crash. The commission is also exploring the possibility of transporting the survivors back to Azerbaijan. Further updates will be provided to the public as more information becomes available," the statement reads.

17:39

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has expressed condolences in connection with the crash of an Embraer 190 aircraft on December 25, which occurred three kilometres from Kazakhstan's Aktau.

In a statement, the airline shared its profound grief, saying: "Today is a tragic day for AZAL. We extend our deepest condolences with profound sorrow to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew members who lost their lives in the crash of the Embraer-190 aircraft near the city of Aktau. We pray for God's mercy upon them. Their pain is our pain. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

17:03

In a meeting convened to discuss the tragic plane crash near Aktau, President Ilham Aliyev provided insights into the incident, explaining that the AZAL airline plane, which was en route from Baku to Grozny, altered its course due to deteriorating weather conditions. 

The aircraft then attempted an emergency landing at Aktau Airport, where it ultimately crashed during the landing process, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

"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," President Aliyev stated.

The crash occurred on December 25, when an Embraer 190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, went down near Aktau.

The aircraft was carrying 67 people in total, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members, according to a statement from AZAL’s press office. Among the passengers, there were 37 nationals from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan.

The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, and in honour of the victims, President Aliyev declared December 26 a national day of mourning in Azerbaijan.

15:16

A special delegation from Azerbaijan, led by Azerbaijan's Minister for Emergency Situations Kemaleddin Heydarov, has arrived in Aktau to investigate the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight J2-8243, which went down near Aktau on December 25.

Akim of the region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, stated that the injured citizens are being provided with necessary medical assistance, Caliber.Az reports citing Kazakh media.

In a powerful show of solidarity, residents of Astana have gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy to lay flowers in memory of those who lost their lives in the crash.

The flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members. Among the passengers were 37 people from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, 6 from Kazakhstan, and 3 from Kyrgyzstan. The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan confirmed that 25 survivors were rescued from the wreckage, including two children, who were immediately taken to local hospitals for urgent treatment.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the decision to cut short his participation in an informal CIS summit in Russia and return to Baku to oversee the response efforts. Expressing his condolences to the victims’ families, President Aliyev pledged full support for those affected by the tragedy.

14:39

New images have emerged following the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight No. J2-8243, which occurred just 3 kilometres outside of Aktau. 

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan has released fresh footage from the crash site, providing a clearer view of the aftermath.

According to the latest information from AZAL’s press service, the plane was carrying 62 passengers at the time of the crash. Among them were 37 citizens from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, 6 from Kazakhstan, and 3 from Kyrgyzstan.

As investigators continue to probe the cause of the disaster, efforts are now focused on providing urgent assistance to the survivors and offering support to their families during this difficult time.

14:06

The Mangistau Region Health Department has released updated information regarding the Baku-Grozny flight No. J2-8243 crash that occurred on the morning of December 25, just 3 kilometres from Aktau. 

The Embraer 190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, tragically went down, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from emergency services.

As of the latest update, a total of 29 individuals were injured in the crash. 27 of them were taken to the Mangistau Regional Hospital (MOB), where triage efforts are underway at the reception centre, Caliber.Az reports citing Kazakh media.

Among the injured, 11 people are in critical condition and have been admitted to the intensive care unit. Two children, aged 11 and 16, are being prepared for surgery after sustaining significant injuries.

The Department confirmed that four bodies were found at the crash site. The detailed list of victims and survivors is still being compiled, with further investigations taking place at the scene.

Among the injured are two children, identified as:

1. Arsbaefa Mariyam (born August 13, 2013) – Preliminary diagnosis includes traumatic brain injury, concussion, contusions and abrasions of the face, nose, pelvis, and a suspected pelvic bone fracture.

2. Dzherova Salihat Khazrilovna (born January 22, 2008) – Preliminary diagnosis includes traumatic brain injury, concussion, an open fracture of the left tibia with displacement, and 1-2 degree traumatic shock.

The authorities also report that intensive care is required for 10 of the injured. The hospital has activated emergency medical teams to provide critical care, and additional specialists are on standby for surgery.

At present, the crash site investigation has been temporarily suspended as rescue teams work to secure the area. The tragic accident involved passengers from multiple countries, and authorities are continuing their efforts to provide aid, identify the victims, and determine the cause of the crash.

As of now, it is known that there were 62 passengers on board, with the majority from Azerbaijan, alongside citizens from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The final list of passengers and the full extent of the damage is still under review.

The plane’s tragic crash has left families and authorities in shock, and the investigation continues as officials work to uncover the cause behind this heartbreaking incident.

13:39

A criminal case has been initiated regarding the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane in Aktau, Kazakhstan.

The criminal case has been initiated under Articles 262.3 ("Violation of traffic safety rules and rules for the operation of railway, water, or air transport, resulting in the accidental death of two or more persons") and 314.3 ("Negligence, i.e., failure or improper performance of duties by an official due to dishonest or careless attitude towards service, resulting in the accidental death of two or more persons") of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports via the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan.

The criminal case was opened under the instructions of the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, Kamran Aliyev.

The investigation has been entrusted to the Investigative Department of the General Prosecutor's Office.

A team of investigators, led by Deputy Prosecutor General Elmar Jamalov, has been dispatched to Kazakhstan. In accordance with international legal assistance, a request for investigative actions in Aktau has been submitted to the General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan.

Various measures are being taken jointly with different government bodies to establish the causes of the crash.

13:13

Victims of the plane crash near Aktau are receiving full medical assistance, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan reported.

According to the ministry, preliminary operational data indicates that 28 people have been taken to medical facilities, with their conditions ranging from mild to severe.

All necessary medical assistance is being provided in hospitals across the region. Twenty-three emergency medical teams have been mobilized to the scene.

Today, an air ambulance from Astana is flying to Aktau, with a team of specialists, including surgeons and traumatologists, onboard.

A hotline has been set up for the families of the passengers involved in the crash to receive necessary information.

As reported by Caliber.Az, the press service of AZAL stated that the following numbers can be contacted: (+994) 12 504-82-80, (+994) 12 504-82-02, (+994) 12 504-82-03.

AZAL has provided a full list of all passengers on flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, which crashed this morning near Aktau.

Information about the victims of the crash near Aktau of the Azerbaijan-Baku-Grozny flight has been updated by the Ministry of Health of the Mangystau region, as reported by the Kazinform agency.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the discovery of 4 bodies at the scene of the crash.

According to the head of the Ministry, B. Izbasarov, on December 25, 2024, at 10:58, a Category 1 emergency call was received. Twenty-two emergency teams and six teams from the Disaster Medicine Center (DMC) were sent.

At the moment, 26 injured individuals have been taken to the hospital, where triage is being conducted in the emergency room. Of the 24 admitted, 7 in critical condition are being transferred to intensive care.

12:52

Newly updated information has emerged following the devastating crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight No. J2-8243, which occurred just 3 kilometres from Aktau. 

The Embraer 190 aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, went down, sparking an immediate response from local authorities.

Recent information from AZAL press service confirms that the plane was carrying 62 passengers, with 37 from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, 6 from Kazakhstan, and 3 from Kyrgyzstan, Caliber.Az reports.

The full list of passengers is being compiled, with AZAL's press service promising to release it shortly.

As investigators continue their work, the focus shifts to providing aid and support to the survivors and their families.

12:30

A devastating crash occurred just 3 kilometres from Aktau as an Embraer 190 aircraft, Azerbaijan Airlines flight No. J2-8243, went down, sparking an urgent response from authorities.

In the aftermath of the crash, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev immediately launched a special commission to investigate the tragedy, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

The commission, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, is already en route to the crash site in Aktau. Tokayev has also ordered the swift deployment of medical teams from Astana to provide critical assistance to those affected by the disaster.

The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, was carrying a mix of passengers from multiple countries, including 37 from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan.

12:16

An Embraer 190 aircraft from Azerbaijan Airlines, operating Baku-Grozny flight No. J2-8243, crashed just 3 kilometres from Aktau, Kazakhstan, sending shockwaves through the region. 

The crash has left 25 survivors, with 12 of them urgently hospitalized, as local authorities rushed to the scene.

Kazakhstan's Health Minister, Akmaral Alnazarova, was quick to provide initial updates on the crash, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

In a statement, she confirmed that 14 ambulance crews were dispatched immediately, and an air ambulance aircraft was also on its way. 

“We have now prepared air ambulance flights to send specialists — traumatologists, surgeons, and others — to the site to provide immediate medical assistance and transport the injured if necessary,” Alnazarova said.

According to the Health Department of Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region, preliminary reports suggest that 25 people survived the crash, although most sustained severe injuries. Unfortunately, the remaining passengers are believed to have perished in the incident.

Among those aboard the plane were 37 Azerbaijan nationals, 16 Russian citizens, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan. Emergency personnel, including 52 members of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations and 11 units of equipment, have arrived at the crash site to assist in the recovery operation.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to confirm the exact cause of the crash and provide further details on the condition of the survivors.

11:48

An Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, has crashed in Aktau, Kazakhstan. 

A total of 67 people were onboard the Azerbaijan Airlines flight, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members, according to a statement from AZAL’s press service. Notably, there were no children among the passengers, Caliber.Az reports.

The authorities are currently working to provide detailed information about the victims, with reports confirming that there are survivors, who are receiving immediate medical care.

The Kazakhstani authorities are taking prompt action and are in communication with the relevant Azerbaijani agencies to coordinate the response and investigation. Further updates are expected soon.

11:24

An Embraer 190 aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines, operating flight Baku-Grozny No. J2-8243, made an emergency landing 3 kilometers from the city of Aktau, Caliber.Az reports via the press service of AZAL.

According to preliminary information, the incident was caused by a bird strike.

"We are heading to the crash site," Aykhan Suleymanli, the General Consul of Azerbaijan in Aktau, told local media.

He added, "At the moment, we cannot provide any details. Our staff is already there, and I am on my way to the site. We cannot say anything further for now."

The situation is still developing, with local authorities and emergency services actively involved in the response.

11:18

An Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, has crashed in Aktau, Kazakhstan. 

Local media reports indicate that the plane requested an emergency landing prior to the crash. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft sent an emergency signal while flying over the Caspian Sea, Caliber.Az reports.

Footage of the incident has emerged on social media, showing the aftermath of the crash. Emergency services are on the scene, and rescue operations are underway. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash, and details remain scarce at this time.

According to preliminary reports, the Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft earlier sent an emergency signal while flying over the Caspian Sea.

Official information from AZAL is expected.

To be updated