Many Feared Dead In Tragic Xmas Plane Crash
Dozens of people are feared dead, while many are injured as an Azerbaijan plane crashed today with 62 passengers and five crew members on board.
The Embraer 190 plane, flight J2-8243, crashed while attempting an emergency landing about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau.
There were 62 passengers and five crew members on board, many of them Azerbaijani nationals.
Dozens are feared dead, with around 32 people believed to have survived.
The passenger plane was traveling from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Russian state-owned news agency Tass reported the flight was diverted from landing in Grozny due to fog.
Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office said at least 32 people survived, though the numbers are not final. Officials estimate more than 30 fatalities.
Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that 37 Azerbaijani citizens were on board, along with 16 Russians, six Kazakh nationals, and three Kyrgyz nationals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said while opening the CIS member states meeting: “A tragedy occurred today in Aktau. A plane crashed, people died, there are many wounded. On your behalf, I would like to express condolences to the families of those killed and all those injured. Let’s hope for their recovery.”
Kazakhstan’s Emergencies Ministry said in a statement: “A total of 52 rescuers from the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry and 11 pieces of equipment arrived at the crash site. Upon arrival, they saw the plane in flames. Firefighters are now extinguishing it. Information about the injured is being clarified, but according to preliminary data, there are survivors.”
Azerbaijan Airlines said: “There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and five crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly. According to available information, survivors are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.”
