Russian officials have suggested that a bird strike may have caused the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
The Embraer 190 aircraft, carrying 67 people, veered hundreds of miles off its scheduled route and crashed on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea after declaring an emergency.
Kazakh authorities reported that 32 survivors, including both passengers and crew, were rescued from the wreckage. However, with 67 individuals on board—62 passengers and five crew—it is feared that 38 lives were lost, according to Kazakh media citing the nation’s Deputy Prime Minister.
The flight, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya. A statement from the Kazakh transport ministry confirmed the crash occurred approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau. The aircraft had diverted from its route due to technical issues after potentially colliding with a flock of birds, according to Russia’s aviation watchdog.
Flight tracking data revealed the plane’s erratic path over the Caspian Sea before it veered toward Aktau. Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling to stabilize before it ultimately crashed.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who was attending an informal Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in Russia, cut short his visit following the tragedy. President Aliyev declared Thursday a national day of mourning, expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims.
Rescue teams, including 52 personnel and 11 units of equipment from Kazakhstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry, quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish a fire that engulfed the aircraft. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities worked to recover those who perished.
Officials from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have launched an investigation into the crash. While initial reports point to a bird strike as a possible cause, experts are examining other potential factors, including mechanical failures and operational errors.
Azerbaijan Airlines, the national carrier, confirmed the emergency landing attempt in a statement, noting that the crash site was 3 kilometers from Aktau Airport. The airline pledged to provide further updates as more details emerge.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Azerbaijan and the broader region. The crash marks one of the most devastating incidents involving Azerbaijan Airlines in recent history. Authorities are focusing on providing support to survivors and the families of those affected while continuing recovery operations at the site.
Further updates on the investigation and the condition of the survivors are expected in the coming days.
