Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 39

ALMATY, Kazakhstan — An Embraer 190 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, killing 39 and injuring 28, Kazakh authorities reported. The flight from Baku to Grozny carried 62 passengers and five crew members.

Emergency services extinguished the fire and transported the injured, including two children, to a hospital. Drone footage showed emergency vehicles around the wreckage. Azerbaijan Airlines said flight J2-8243 attempted an emergency landing 3 km from Aktau, possibly due to a bird strike.

Kazakhstan formed a commission to investigate, promising aid for victims’ families and cooperation with Azerbaijan. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia expressed condolences. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about aviation safety in the region.