Azerbaijani officials head to Kazakhstan to investigate devastating plane crash near Aktau Presidential order

In the wake of a tragic crash, just 3 kilometres from Aktau, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has ordered a swift response to investigate the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines flight No. J2-8243. 

An Embraer 190, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed while carrying passengers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, leaving 25 survivors, some critically injured.

In response to this tragedy, Azerbaijani authorities have sent a high-level delegation to Aktau, 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, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

This team has been dispatched to the crash site to assess the situation and support the ongoing investigation.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has also taken swift action, launching a special commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. The commission is already en route to the scene, where local authorities are providing assistance and coordinating rescue efforts. Tokayev has also ordered the deployment of medical teams from Astana to provide crucial care to the injured.

The plane, which was carrying a diverse group of 37 passengers from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan, met its tragic fate on the outskirts of Aktau. While 25 passengers have survived, the situation remains dire, with 12 individuals rushed to local hospitals for immediate treatment.

As the investigation into the cause of the crash unfolds, both Azerbaijani and Kazakh authorities are working around the clock to ensure justice and assistance for those affected by this heartbreaking disaster.

By Tamilla Hasanova