An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer crashed near Aktau airport in Kazakhstan after the flight crew requested an emergency landing while still on approach. Eyewitness footage indicates the aircraft was en route from Baku to Grozny and that pilots tried to slow the descent by raising the nose near the runway. The final moment shows a hard landing, with flames erupting almost immediately on impact, as captured by observers and posted in local channels (Sputnik Kazakhstan).
Authorities say a fire broke out at the crash site, and emergency responders were dispatched quickly. The Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that 52 personnel and 11 pieces of department equipment were deployed to the scene to battle the fire and assist victims.
Initial passenger and crew counts from agencies vary. The Azerbaijani news agency APA reported 67 passengers and 5 crew members were aboard. Investigators were left to confirm numbers and determine the cause. Preliminary information circulating in media suggested a bird strike could have contributed to the mishap, per Sputnik Kazakhstan.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued instruction to form a special commission to probe the Aktau crash, with the aim of identifying factors that led to the disaster and ensuring accountability and safety improvements.
Earlier in Kazakhstan, a criminal case related to the crash of the Baku-Grozny flight had been opened, underscoring ongoing concerns about aviation safety in the region.
Both national and international aviation authorities have expressed condolences to those affected and are coordinating with Azerbaijan authorities as the investigation continues.