Updated details of the Incident: An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 flight bound for Grozny, Russia, crashed during an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in 29 survivors out of 67 passengers and crew. The incident, attributed to a collision with birds in heavy fog, forced the pilot to divert from the original route. Dramatic footage showed the plane exploding in an empty field, with emergency workers aiding passengers escaping through the tail section. Survivors, including children, were hospitalized, nine in critical condition. Unconfirmed reports of an oxygen canister explosion add complexity to the ongoing investigation, as search and rescue efforts continue.
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The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan has confirmed a plane crash near Aktau, stating that preliminary data suggests there are survivors from the incident. Efforts to gather further information and assess the full extent of the damage are ongoing.
According to the Ministry, the aircraft involved in the crash was an Embraer 190 AHY8243, which was en route from Baku to Grozny. The plane declared an emergency after reportedly colliding with a flock of birds, causing a failure in its steering system. It was attempting to land in Aktau when the crash occurred around 10:58 AM local time.
There were 67 people aboard the plane, including five crew members, with 37 citizens from Azerbaijan, six from Kazakhstan, three from Kyrgyzstan, and 16 from Russia. Initial reports indicated that 25 survivors were found, of which 22 have been transported to local hospitals. Among the injured, both adults and children are being treated. Fourteen victims, including five in serious condition, have been sent to the Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital. An 11-year-old and a 16-year-old child are among those receiving treatment. Emergency teams continue to assess the situation.
In response to the disaster, the regional health department has dispatched 22 ambulance teams and six from the Disaster Medicine Center to the site. The Ministry of Health has established a republican headquarters, with a team of specialists, including traumatologists and neurosurgeons, ready to assist.
The Akim (Governor) of Mangistau Region has arrived at the scene to oversee rescue efforts and ensure that all necessary measures are being taken. A total of 150 personnel and 45 units of equipment from various emergency services, including the National Fire Service and State Fire Service, have been deployed to the crash site.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations continues to investigate the cause of the crash, with the collision with birds being considered the likely cause of the emergency landing. Efforts to clarify the final passenger list and provide updates on the condition of the injured are ongoing.
Hotlines have been set up for families and the public to inquire about the incident, with the numbers: +7 (7172) 55-96-21 and +7 (7292) 31-90-91.
The situation is still developing, and authorities are working diligently to provide more information as it becomes available.
