Dozens of fatalities have been reported following the crash of a passenger aircraft in Kazakhstan, which had 67 individuals on board, according to local authorities.
The country’s emergency ministry confirmed that 25 people survived. The aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, ignited as it descended near the city of Aktau. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 was travelling from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Grozny in Russia. Reports indicate it was rerouted due to foggy conditions. Video footage authenticated by the Reuters news agency depicts the aircraft descending at a high velocity, with its landing gear deployed.
Moments before an apparent landing attempt, the plane erupts into a massive fireball. The Embraer 190 aircraft was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members, as reported by the transport ministry.
Most of the passengers were Azerbaijani nationals, with others hailing from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Authorities have stated that Aktau airport remains operational.
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