An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 crashed near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft declared an emergency prior to the accident.
The jet was bound for Grozny Airport on Christmas Day. Reports indicate that five crew members and 62 passengers were onboard.
38 fatalities have been reported so far, and 29 were taken to the hospital. 11 passengers are in critical condition.
#Azerbaijan Airlines plane coming from #Baku crashes in Aktau, #Kazakhstan pic.twitter.com/bPQer1RnUL
— White Vador ➿ (@AleaJactaEs666) December 25, 2024
Weather was poor at the aircraft’s destination airport, prompting a diversion. The crew later reported flight control issues; Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows rapidly changing speeds and altitudes.
The E190’s vertical speed reached values of 8,300 feet per minute upward and downward. Photos on social media show substantial fire damage to the aircraft.
