The Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash in Kazakhstan early Wednesday killed at least 42 people and left 25 survivors, according to Kazakhstan’s Emergencies Ministry.
The accident occurred when flight No. 8432, flying from Baku to Grozny, made an emergency landing near the city of Aktau.
Initial reports indicate that the Embraer 190 plane collided with a flock of birds about three kilometers from Aktau, causing it to crash.
The plane was carrying 67 people, including five crew members. Of the 25 survivors, 22 were taken to hospital due to their injuries.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergencies responded quickly, sending more than 50 responders and 11 units of equipment to the crash site. The plane crashed in an area just outside the city, prompting local authorities to launch a full investigation into the accident.
Azerbaijan Airlines has not yet issued an official statement, but early indications point to bird collisions as the main cause. The Embraer 190 is a widely used regional jet known for its safety record, making the accident a rare and tragic event for the airline.
Rescue efforts continued throughout the day, while emergency teams worked to rescue the passengers and secure the area. Investigators are expected to analyze flight data and cockpit recordings to determine the full sequence of events that led to the accident.
Azerbaijan Airlines published a Passenger list On the Baku-Grozny flight.
While aviation experts acknowledge that bird collisions are a known risk during flights, incidents of this magnitude are uncommon. The accident sparked discussions about bird collision prevention procedures and the challenges pilots face in such emergencies.
Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities, along with Azerbaijani officials, pledged full cooperation in the investigation. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
