Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev thanked Kazakhstan for their rapid emergency response following the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau on December 25, resulting in 39 fatalities. The Kazakh government is conducting a thorough investigation, and international assistance has been enlisted to determine the cause of the accident. Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended certain flights pending safety assessments.
On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. In response, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude to Kazakhstan for their prompt search and rescue efforts as well as emergency aid. Kazakh President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev assured Aliyev in a phone call that all necessary measures would be taken to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The two leaders conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and emphasized the importance of close cooperation between their governments throughout the investigation. Aliyev commended Kazakh rescuers for their immediate actions and acknowledged the medical personnel’s professional care for the wounded individuals, many of whom have since returned to Azerbaijan, although some continue to receive treatment in Kazakhstan.
The Embraer 190 aircraft, which was carrying 62 passengers and crew, was en route from Baku to Grozny when it crashed three kilometers from Aktau. The incident resulted in the loss of 39 lives, while 29 passengers, including three children, survived. Among the deceased were all the Kazakh citizens on board.
The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation, spearheaded by a special commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. During a press briefing, Kazakh Transport Minister Marat Karabayev revealed that the aircraft began diverting at 10:43 a.m. due to malfunctions and altitude disturbances, leading to an oxygen cylinder explosion in the passenger cabin. Communication with the aircraft was lost shortly before it struck the ground.
Further investigations are being supported by representatives from the Embraer aircraft manufacturer and a team from Türkiye, who are providing technical assistance to uncover the accident’s causes. In light of the crash findings, Azerbaijan Airlines has temporarily suspended flights from Baku to several Russian airports, citing safety concerns pending the investigation’s conclusion.
In summary, the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near Aktau has elicited a significant response from both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The cooperation between the two nations is critical in addressing the tragedy, from recovery efforts to the ongoing investigation. The involvement of international bodies and experts will aid in thoroughly establishing the factors contributing to this unfortunate incident, ensuring lessons are learned to improve aviation safety.
Original Source: astanatimes.com
