A harrowing plane crash in Kazakhstan has left at least 42 people feared dead and 29 survivors clinging to life after an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 jet crashed near the city of Aktau.
Dramatic footage from inside the doomed flight shows terrified passengers praying moments before the aircraft broke apart in a fiery explosion.
Moments of Chaos Before Impact
The crash occurred during a flight from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, with 105 passengers and five crew members aboard. A video captured by a passenger shows oxygen masks deployed and passengers praying as panic spread throughout the cabin. Shortly after, the plane plummeted to the ground and erupted into flames, scattering debris over a wide area near Aktau’s airport.
Rescue teams combed through the wreckage, finding survivors among the twisted remains of the rear section of the plane. A trapped woman’s desperate cries for help were met by rescuers, who carefully lifted her out of the debris.
Survivors Found in the Rear Section
The rear section of the aircraft, though heavily damaged, provided a pocket of survival for 29 people, including two children aged 11 and 16. Many survivors suffered severe injuries, with 22 currently hospitalized and seven in critical condition. Tragically, at least 10 victims were reportedly ejected from the plane during the crash, contributing to the high death toll.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Initial reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a catastrophic depressurization linked to the explosion of an oxygen tank used for cockpit emergencies. Crew members had reported a strong impact on the hull, initially believed to be from a bird strike. The resulting damage caused the plane to lose control and descend steeply before crashing.
Authorities in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are investigating multiple possibilities, including technical failure. A government commission has been established to provide assistance to the victims’ families and determine the cause of the tragedy.
Global Condolences and Local Heroics
World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed condolences to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also offered his prayers for the victims and survivors.
In the aftermath, Aktau residents have been asked to donate blood for the injured, while emergency teams continue to recover bodies and aid survivors. Drone footage shows the wreckage of the plane, with its front section completely destroyed by fire.
A Grim Holiday Tragedy
The crash has cast a dark shadow over the holiday season, leaving families mourning loved ones and survivors grappling with trauma. As investigations proceed, questions linger about how such a catastrophic event unfolded and whether future tragedies can be prevented.
This devastating accident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the resilience of those who survive against the odds.
