Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes in Kazakhstan as Many Onboard Feared Dead

An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane, flight J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, while en route from Azerbaijan to Russia, Al Jazeera reported today. The Embraer 190 aircraft was carrying 69 people—62 passengers and 5 crew members—when it made an emergency landing approximately 3 km from the city.

Initial reports indicate that at least four bodies have been recovered, with many more feared dead, including the two pilots. 32 survivors have been hospitalized. The crash occurred amid heavy fog, and preliminary investigations suggest a possible bird strike as a contributing factor.

In response to the tragedy, 150 emergency workers were dispatched to the scene. An investigative team from Azerbaijan is on-site to determine the cause of the crash. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has cut short a visit to Russia, receiving condolences from Russian officials. A government commission has been established to assist affected families.