A Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 and injuring 29, with indications that a Russian anti-aircraft system may be involved. The investigation is underway, with Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general launching a criminal case to explore all possibilities. Key details involve collaborative efforts from aviation authorities across Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Initial assessments suggest that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have been responsible for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, which resulted in the deaths of at least 38 individuals, according to a U.S. official speaking to ABC News. Should these preliminary findings be confirmed, they would highlight Russian negligence amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The White House has directed inquiries to local officials while the investigation is underway.
The tragic incident occurred near Aktau Airport on a Wednesday morning, where the aircraft crashed while en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia. Rerouted to Aktau due to fog conditions in Grozny, the plane carried 69 occupants, including 64 passengers and five crew members. Alongside the deceased, 29 individuals sustained injuries, among them two children, with many requiring hospitalization.
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general has initiated a criminal investigation into the crash, working hand-in-hand with Kazakh authorities to explore all possible explanations. Farid Huseynov, an Azerbaijan Airlines spokesperson, emphasized that a collaborative investigative effort is being conducted with Kazakhstan’s prosecutor’s office.
Aviation regulatory bodies from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are engaged in determining the cause of the incident. In a statement, Embraer, the manufacturer of the aircraft, affirmed their commitment to monitoring the situation and providing necessary support to the relevant authorities as investigations continue.
The tragic crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Kazakhstan has resulted in significant loss of life and injuries. Ongoing investigations seek to establish the cause of the incident, with initial indications pointing towards potential complications involving a Russian anti-aircraft system. Collaborative efforts between the involved countries’ aviation authorities and legal bodies aim to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
