Memorial erected at site of Azerbaijani plane crash near Aktau VIDEO

A memorial has been set up at the site of the Azerbaijani Airlines’ plane crash near Aktau, despite local authorities stating they were not involved in the initiative. 

A video circulating on social media shows an iron fence surrounding the crash site, with benches and flowers placed nearby in tribute to the victims, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakhstan’s media.

According to the Akimat (executive body) of Tupkaragan district, the memorial was organised by concerned residents of the Mangistau region using their own funds. 

"This is an initiative of not indifferent residents of Mangistau region. No money was allocated from the budget for the memorial," the district’s press service stated.

 

 

 

 

 

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The crash occurred on the morning of December 25, 2024, when an Embraer-190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, en route from Baku to Grozny, attempted an emergency landing at Aktau airport. Of the 69 people on board, 29 survived. It is considered the sixth deadliest aviation disaster in independent Kazakhstan’s history.

Preliminary findings indicated that the aircraft was hit by a Russian "Pantsir-S1" surface-to-air missile, which had been fired as part of an attempt to intercept a Ukrainian drone over Chechnya. While Russian officials initially downplayed the significance of the incident, subsequent inquiries confirmed that the missile strike was indeed responsible.

Moreover, investigators revealed that electronic warfare had compromised the plane's navigation systems, making it difficult for the crew to regain control during the emergency. This added complication led to severe consequences, further complicating the investigation into the cause of the crash.

As the investigation progresses, new details continue to emerge. On January 24, 2025, Caliber.Az released findings that identified the individual who fired the missile and the officer who issued the order. The report also confirmed that the strike from the Pantsir-S1 system had indeed struck the plane, solidifying earlier findings.

Speaking on the sidelines of a government meeting on May 23, Kazakhstan’s Transport Minister Marat Karabayev said specialists are still analysing collected evidence. He confirmed that Kazakh and international experts, including representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), have visited Baku, Grozny, and Rostov-on-Don as part of the investigation.

By Sabina Mammadli