Azerbaijan's Orthodox and Catholic communities mourn losses in AZAL plane crash near Aktau

The Baku and Azerbaijan Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church has expressed deep condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight No. J2-8243, which occurred near Aktau on December 25.

The diocese also offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured, Caliber.Az reports.

In a similar gesture, the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan also expressed its sorrow. "We pray to God for mercy for the victims of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane. May Almighty God grant comfort and patience to the families and friends of the deceased, and healing to those injured," the Apostolic Prefecture said.

The crash, which occurred just 3 kilometres from Aktau, claimed the lives of several passengers. The aircraft, carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members, was en route from Baku to Grozny. AZAL's press service confirmed that 37 passengers were from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, 6 from Kazakhstan, and 3 from Kyrgyzstan.

The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan reported that 25 survivors were rescued, including two children, who were immediately taken to local hospitals for treatment.

In the wake of the tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the decision to return to Baku from Russia, where he had attended an informal CIS summit, to oversee the response efforts. President Aliyev has also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the crash.

At the President's instruction, key officials — including the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Minister of Emergency Situations, Deputy Prosecutor General, Deputy Minister of Health, Deputy Director of the State Civil Aviation Agency, and Vice President of AZAL — have travelled to Aktau to investigate the cause of the crash and provide support to the affected families.

By Tamilla Hasanova