Azerbaijan Plane Crash Near Aktau, Kazakhstan Leaves 32 Survivors
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- December 26, 2024
- 11:53 am
- 28
- Current Affairs

An Azerbaijan Plane Crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, left 32 survivors and tragically claimed several lives. The Embraer 190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines as flight J2-8243, was en route from Baku to Grozny in southern Russia when it was forced to make an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau.
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
The crash resulted in a massive fire upon impact, but emergency services responded quickly, extinguishing the blaze and rescuing passengers. Out of the 62 passengers and five crew members, 32 people survived, including two children. Many of the survivors were rushed to hospitals for treatment, with several in critical condition.
Rescue teams from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations deployed 52 personnel and 11 units of equipment to aid in recovery efforts. Authorities are working tirelessly to assist victims’ families and recover the bodies of those who tragically lost their lives.

Possible Causes and Flight Path
Preliminary investigations suggest that a bird strike caused the emergency, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. Fog in Grozny had already prompted the flight to deviate from its intended route. Additionally, recent drone activity in southern Russia, which had disrupted air traffic, may have influenced the flight path.
The plane’s unusual trajectory shows it crossed the Caspian Sea, veering from its scheduled route on the west coast. It reappeared near Aktau on the east coast, circling the airport before crashing near the shore.
Global Reactions and Condolences
World leaders, including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed their condolences. Aliyev canceled a scheduled summit in Russia to address the tragedy. Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, also extended his sympathies and emphasized prayers for the injured.
Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased, and we wish a swift recovery to the injured. Pakistan stands with Azerbaijan in this hour of grief.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Investigation Underway
Authorities in Kazakhstan have launched a comprehensive investigation into the plane crash, exploring all possible causes, including technical failures. A government commission, working alongside Azerbaijani officials, is committed to uncovering the details and ensuring proper support for those affected.