An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, crashed on Wednesday near Aktau in western Kazakhstan. The aircraft was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members.
Initial reports indicate that there are survivors. Rescue operations are underway as emergency services respond to the scene. Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue efforts and investigate the cause of the crash.
Witnesses at the scene describe a harrowing sight but express relief as survivors have been taken to local hospitals for treatment. “We saw the plane descend rapidly and then heard a loud crash,” said one local resident. “Rescue teams arrived quickly, and we saw people being assisted out of the wreckage.”
CGTN journalists visited the crash site to provide updates on the situation. Their coverage highlights the swift response by Kazakh authorities and the collaboration among rescue workers to aid those affected.
Azerbaijan Airlines has yet to release a detailed statement but confirmed that the flight was operating between Baku and Grozny. Families of passengers are being contacted, and support services are being offered.
The incident has prompted reactions from officials in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia as they monitor developments and coordinate assistance.
This tragic event underscores the importance of international cooperation in aviation safety and emergency response. As more information becomes available, authorities are expected to provide updates on the condition of survivors and the progress of the investigation.
