Dozens Dead After Plane Crashes on Christmas Day: Reports
On December 25, the Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft was en route from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia.
A passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day, killing dozens.
The BBC reports that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight caught fire while making an emergency landing close to Aktau, Kazakhstan, while it was en route from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia.
According to the outlet, which cited local officials, the crash claimed the lives of dozens of people.
At least 28 people, including two children, survived the crash, according to CNN. The outlet was also informed by authorities that the survivors had been transported to a hospital.
Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that there were 67 people on board the aircraft, including five crew members, according to the Associated Press.
Azerbaijan Airlines, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry have all been contacted by Etonightdaily for comment.
The airline said in an initial statement translated into English and posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that “Preliminary information indicates that the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”
Sixty-two passengers and five crew members made up the total number of people on board. No children were among the passengers, and details regarding the injured will be released soon,” they continued. The information indicates that some survivors are getting basic medical care. Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies on the ground are providing the required operational support while contacts are being made with the Kazakh authorities.
CNN and Reuters reported that a video captured the plane circling before it struck the ground and caught fire. Soon after, blood-covered passengers were also observed emerging from the wreckage.
A representative for the aircraft’s manufacturer, Embraer, said in a statement that Etonightdaily was able to obtain, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. As soon as more details are verified and Embraer is given permission to release, more information will be made available. We are prepared to support all pertinent authorities. The families, friends, coworkers, and loved ones impacted by the accident have our deepest sympathies and concerns.
