Kazakhstan expresses condolences over fatal Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Aktau

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan has expressed its condolences following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Aktau, which claimed the lives of several passengers.

In an official statement, the ministry extended its sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims, expressing solidarity with the peoples of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakhstani media.

The statement read: "Sharing in the irreparable grief of the peoples of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, we offer our deepest support to the families of the victims and wish a swift recovery to those injured in the crash."

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry also announced that, under the instruction of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a special commission has been set up to provide assistance at the site of the crash and coordinate ongoing efforts. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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.

By Aghakazim Guliyev