Stewardess who displayed unmatched courage in Aktau crash found dead Her colleagues receive treatment / PHOTO

The heart-wrenching search for victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, has led to the discovery of the body of stewardess Hokuma Aliyeva.

Her selfless actions in the final moments of the flight, calming terrified passengers and doing everything possible to save them, stand as a testament to the courage displayed by the crew in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

These details were confirmed by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, per Caliber.Az.

Alongside her, the bodies of the two pilots — Igor Kshnyakin and Alexander Kalyaninov — have also been recovered, confirming the tragic loss of all members of the flight crew.

In contrast to the grief that hangs over the wreckage, flight attendant Zulfugar Asadov and stewardess Aydan Rahimli were among the fortunate survivors, now in stable condition and receiving medical care.

The crash occurred on December 25 as the Embraer 190, en route from Baku to Grozny, was forced to make an emergency landing near Aktau. With 67 passengers and crew aboard, including 42 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, 6 Kazakhs, and 3 Kyrgyz nationals, the tragedy claimed 38 lives. While the search and recovery efforts continue, 29 survivors have been reported, many of whom are undergoing treatment for their injuries.

In the wake of this loss, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared December 26 a national day of mourning. This day serves not only as a solemn remembrance of those lost but also as a tribute to the resilience of those affected, offering support and strength to grieving families.

In these moments of profound sorrow, the memory of Hokuma Aliyeva and her fellow crew members, who faced their final moments with courage, will remain etched in the hearts of all who were touched by their sacrifice. The tragedy near Aktau is a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of heroism, even in the face of the unthinkable.

By Tamilla Hasanova