The flight’s deviation from its scheduled path has raised questions. Initially tracking north along the western coast of the Caspian Sea, the plane abruptly veered off course, crossing the sea and eventually crashing on the eastern shore near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
Russia’s aviation watchdog suggested the emergency may have been caused by a bird strike, though this has not been confirmed. The crash occurred shortly after reports of drone strikes in southern Russia, which had previously caused airport closures in the region.
An official from Makhachkala airport, located near where the flight disappeared from radar, confirmed the airport had been closed to incoming traffic for several hours on Wednesday morning. It remains unclear if this contributed to the crash.
Also Read: Zelenskyy Denounces Russia’s “Inhumane” Missile Strikes on Christmas Day
Rescue and Recovery
Emergency services in Kazakhstan were quick to respond, extinguishing the flames and evacuating survivors, including two children, to a nearby hospital. The conditions of some survivors were reported as critical. Authorities have begun the somber task of recovering the bodies of those who did not survive.
Kazakhstan’s emergencies ministry announced that a government commission has been formed to investigate the incident. The Kazakh government has pledged full cooperation with Azerbaijan to uncover the cause of the crash and provide support to the victims’ families.
Also Read: Mega Millions Soars to $1.15 Billion After Christmas Eve Draw Comes Up Empty
Expressions of Condolence
The tragedy prompted responses from leaders in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev both expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Aliyev, who was in Russia for a summit, canceled his plans and returned home following the news.
Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, extended his sympathies and noted that some survivors were in extremely serious condition. “We will pray for their rapid recovery,” he said.
A Community in Mourning
As investigations begin, questions remain about what led to this catastrophic event. For now, the focus is on the survivors’ recovery and honoring those who lost their lives. The tragic accident has left a deep scar on the communities of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Chechnya, where the passengers and crew hailed from.
This devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of rigorous safety measures in aviation. As authorities work to uncover the truth, the world mourns the lives lost in this heartbreaking tragedy.
