At Least 29 Survive Fiery Plane Crash in Kazakhstan, Dozens Feared Dead
A tragic plane crash near the Kazakh city of Aktau on Wednesday left at least 29 people alive, with rescue teams searching for dozens of others feared dead. The aircraft, carrying 67 passengers and crew, burst into flames after making an emergency landing.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
Authorities reported that among the 29 survivors, two are children. All survivors have been transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The crash site presented a grim scene, with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations confirming the aircraft was on fire upon their arrival. Emergency crews acted swiftly to extinguish the flames and assist survivors.
Extraordinary video footage captured dazed passengers, some bloodied, emerging from the wreckage of the burning plane. Witnesses described the harrowing sight of the aircraft circling erratically before crashing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau.
Flight and Emergency Details
The Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny in Russia’s Chechen region when it encountered trouble. Preliminary information from Russia’s aviation watchdog suggests the pilot initiated an emergency landing due to a bird strike.
Passengers and Nationalities
According to Kazakhstan’s transport ministry, the plane was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members. Preliminary data revealed the following nationalities among the passengers:
- 37 from Azerbaijan
- 16 from Russia
- 6 from Kazakhstan
- 3 from Kyrgyzstan
Investigation Underway
Kazakhstan has launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. A government commission has been dispatched to the site to oversee the probe and ensure support for the victims’ families.
In a statement, the Kazakh government pledged to work closely with Azerbaijan to uncover the circumstances leading to the crash. “The commission will take measures to provide priority assistance to the families of the dead and injured,” the statement said.
Azerbaijan Airlines also issued a public announcement on its Facebook page, promising additional updates as more information becomes available.
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