Azerbaijan’s Russian Community joins national grief over Aktau plane disaster

The Russian Community of Azerbaijan has expressed heartfelt condolences following the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight J2-8243, which occurred near Aktau on December 25. 

In a statement, the community extended their deepest sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to all those affected by this devastating event, Caliber.Az reports.

"With deep sorrow, we learned about the crash of the ‘Embraer 190’ passenger plane, which was en route from Baku to Grozny," the Russian Community of Azerbaijan said. "May the bright memory of those who lost their lives always live in the hearts of their relatives and friends. We also wish a speedy recovery to all survivors of this terrible tragedy."

The plane, which crashed just 3 kilometres from Aktau, was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members. According to AZAL's press service, the passengers included 37 from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, 6 from Kazakhstan, and 3 from Kyrgyzstan. The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan confirmed that 25 survivors, including two children, were rescued and rushed to local hospitals for immediate treatment.

Immediately after receiving the information about the crash, President Aliyev, who was en route to St. Petersburg, Russia, to attend an informal CIS heads of state summit, decided to return to Baku to oversee the national response efforts. He expressed deep condolences to the families affected and pledged full support to the survivors.

Following the President's instructions, a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, the Minister of Emergency Situations, the Deputy Prosecutor General, the Deputy Minister of Health, the Deputy Director of the State Civil Aviation Agency, and the Vice President of AZAL, travelled to Aktau. Their mission is to investigate the cause of the crash and provide support to the affected families during this difficult time.

By Tamilla Hasanova