Rescue teams are working tirelessly after an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed near Aktau in western Kazakhstan on Wednesday. The aircraft, en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members.
Initial reports indicate that there are survivors. Emergency services have transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the crash site to facilitate rescue operations and investigations.
CGTN visited the crash site to provide updates on the unfolding situation. Witnesses recount harrowing scenes as the aircraft descended near Aktau. “It was a terrifying moment; we saw smoke and heard a loud noise,” said a local resident who rushed to the scene to help.
Azerbaijan Airlines has released a statement confirming the incident and expressing concern for those affected. “Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew,” the statement read.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from Kazakhstan and neighboring regions collaborating to ensure all survivors are accounted for. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash, and an investigation is expected to commence once rescue efforts conclude.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the communities connected by the flight route. Families await news of loved ones, and support services have been set up at airports in Baku and Grozny.
As the situation develops, KhabarAsia.com will continue to provide timely updates on the rescue efforts and the condition of the survivors. The aviation authorities are expected to hold a press conference later today to address the incident.
Reference(s):
Stringer Dispatch: Rescue efforts underway at crash site in Kazakhstan
cgtn.com
