A passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau on Wednesday, leaving rescue teams scrambling to assist survivors and investigate the incident.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, went down approximately three kilometers from Aktau in Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region, near the Caspian Sea’s eastern shore.

The Kazakh Transport Ministry confirmed the crash and reported that the flight had encountered difficulties during its journey. Initial findings suggest the flight was diverted due to dense fog in Grozny, forcing the crew to alter its route.

Azerbaijan Airlines referred to the incident as an “emergency landing” in a statement on Telegram and pledged to provide further updates as more information becomes available.

Survivors and Casualties

The Kazakh Emergencies Ministry confirmed that rescue teams were dispatched promptly to the crash site, where they worked to extinguish a fire engulfing the aircraft.

Regional health authorities reported that 14 people were transported to nearby hospitals, with five individuals currently in intensive care. The plane carried 62 passengers and five crew members, according to preliminary figures.

The exact number of fatalities remains under investigation. Eyewitness accounts describe significant damage to the aircraft, with responders focusing on locating and assisting survivors amidst the wreckage.

Emergency Response

Rescue operations at the site have been extensive, involving firefighters, paramedics, and aviation experts. Despite the challenging conditions, authorities confirmed that survivors had been recovered.

Videos shared on social media showed emergency personnel navigating the charred debris, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Kazakh officials have commended the swift action of emergency services while emphasizing the importance of determining the crash’s cause. Azerbaijan Airlines and Kazakh authorities are expected to collaborate closely on the investigation.

Possible Causes Under Scrutiny

Early reports indicated that adverse weather conditions might have played a role in the crash. Heavy fog in Grozny likely necessitated a change in the flight path, though whether this contributed directly to the accident is unclear.

Aviation experts speculate that mechanical failure or human error could also be factors, pending detailed analysis of the aircraft’s black box and other data.

Statements from Kazakh authorities hinted at discrepancies in early passenger count reports, though Azerbaijani sources later confirmed the plane’s manifest. Both countries are working together to ensure accuracy in reporting and accountability during the investigation.

Reactions and Next Steps

Azerbaijan Airlines has extended its condolences to those affected, describing the situation as “tragic.” The airline assured families and the public that it would assist authorities in uncovering the reasons behind the crash. Meanwhile, survivors and their families are receiving medical care and support.

As rescue efforts continue, aviation authorities from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are expected to release a joint statement detailing the findings of their investigation.

The incident has also raised broader concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting calls for a review of operational protocols in adverse weather conditions.

Further updates are anticipated as officials piece together the events leading to the crash. For now, the focus remains on providing aid to survivors and ensuring a thorough investigation into this tragic event.