Aktau, Kazakhstan, December 25, 2024 – An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger plane, operating as flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau on Wednesday afternoon. The plane, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, was forced to make an emergency landing after reportedly striking a bird mid-flight.

Kazakh authorities confirmed that at least 28 individuals survived the crash, including two children, who have been hospitalized in critical condition. The aircraft was attempting to land when it lost control, breaking into two parts upon impact. Emergency services rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire, rescuing the survivors from the wreckage.

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, initial reports from Azerbaijan Airlines suggest the bird strike may have played a significant role in the aircraft’s sudden loss of control. The Embraer 190 is known for its safety record and is commonly used for regional flights.

Kazakh and Azerbaijani authorities have launched an investigation into the tragedy, with emergency teams working to identify the full scope of the casualties. The governments of Azerbaijan and Chechnya have expressed condolences, offering their support to the victims’ families and the survivors.

Azerbaijan Airlines has promised to fully cooperate with the investigation and provide assistance to the families of those affected. Meanwhile, both countries’ officials are working on the identification of the deceased and determining further steps for recovery and support.

This tragic incident is the latest in a series of aviation mishaps, and authorities are urging the public to await official statements while the investigation continues.