Astana, Kazakhstan — At least 32 people have survived a devastating plane crash near the Kazakh city of Aktau, authorities reported on Wednesday. Rescue teams continue their search for dozens of other passengers feared dead.
The crash involved Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, which was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, when it made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact, with video footage showing passengers emerging from the wreckage in a dazed and bloodied state.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that rescue teams extinguished the fire upon arrival. Among the survivors were two children, all of whom were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Extraordinary footage captured the aircraft erratically circling before crashing and bursting into flames. Elmira, a local volunteer who joined the rescue effort, described a harrowing scene to Radio Free Europe’s Kazakh Service.
“The front part of the plane was on fire. We rescued survivors whose bodies were covered in blood. They were crying and pleading for help,” she recounted.
Elmira also recalled an emotional moment with a young survivor. “A little girl came out crying, ‘Save my mom, my mom is still there,’” she said. Volunteers sheltered survivors on a bus to protect them from the freezing temperatures until ambulances arrived.
Russia’s aviation watchdog indicated that a bird strike may have forced the emergency landing. The plane carried 62 passengers and 5 crew members. According to Kazakhstan’s transport ministry, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals.
A government commission has been established to investigate the crash. “The Commission was instructed to immediately fly to the scene, ensure a comprehensive investigation, and prioritize assistance to the victims’ families,” read a statement from the Kazakh government.
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Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have agreed to collaborate on the investigation. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan Airlines has temporarily suspended flights from Baku to Grozny and Makhachkala pending the inquiry’s conclusion.
This report is based on information from CNN.
