At least 29 people survived a catastrophic aircraft crash in Kazakhstan; dozens feared dead
Authorities reported that at least 29 people survived when an aircraft exploded into flames following a Wednesday accident close to the Kazakh city of Aktau; rescue efforts are still under way for scores of other passengers thought dead.
Extraordinary video from the incident caught the moment bewildered survivors emerged from the destroyed aircraft carrying 67 people on board.
Before making an emergency landing almost three kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau, Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft J2-8243 was heading from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in the Russian territory of Chechnya.
Authorities reported that two of the 29 survivors are youngsters; all have been brought to a local hospital.
Operating at the crash site of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet close to Aktau, Kazakhstan on December 25, emergency responders are:
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, personnel discovered the aircraft on fire upon arrival at the scene with rescue troops extinguishing the flames.
Before the incident, video of the aircraft crazily circling the airfield revealed. The airplane exploded in flames as it touched the ground, and shortly later bloodied people surfaced from the debris.
According to Russia’s aviation watchdog, preliminary data pointed to the pilot choosing an emergency landing following a bird hit.
On board were five crew members and sixty-two passengers, according to Kazakhstan’s transport ministry in a preliminary assessment. Preliminary statistics indicated that 37 of the passengers were citizens of Azerbaijan, six of Kazakhstan, three of Kyrgyzstan, and sixteen of Russia.
“Additional information regarding the incident will be supplied to the public,” the airline stated on its Facebook page.
A panel established by the Kazakhstan government is looking at the crash’s cause.
A government statement said: “The Commission was instructed to immediately fly to the scene of the accident, ensure a comprehensive investigation on the causes of the crash, and take measures to provide priority assistance to the families of the dead and injured.”
Kazakhstan will help Azerbaijan with the inquiry, it said.
