An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 plane carrying 67 people crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, killing 38 passengers and crew while 29 survived. The crash has prompted NATO to call for a thorough investigation, while the Kremlin dismissed speculation about an attack as premature and unfounded.
Survivor Testimonies Highlight Explosion
Subkhankul Rahimov, one of the survivors, described multiple failed landing attempts in Grozny, Chechnya, due to heavy fog, followed by an explosion outside the plane. Speaking to Russian TV channel RT, Rahimov said the blast tore away part of the aircraft and left him with shrapnel wounds.
"There was an explosion for sure. Everyone heard it," Rahimov recounted, adding that shrapnel tore a hole in his life jacket. He emphasized the need for experts to investigate the cause.
Another survivor, Zaur Mammadov, shared text messages with his girlfriend during the crash, stating the plane was going down. Mammadov, who suffered injuries, described how "half of the plane was torn apart," consistent with crash site footage.
Investigation Underway Amid Speculation
Initial reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a bird strike. However, speculation intensified after footage showed large holes in the aircraft's tail, prompting rumors of weapons fire. The Kremlin urged caution, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasizing the need to wait for official findings.
"Any aviation incident should be probed by specialized authorities. Speculating before the investigation is unethical and counterproductive," Peskov said.
Kazakh Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev echoed similar sentiments, criticizing attempts to spread unverified claims.
NATO Urges Thorough Investigation
NATO spokeswoman Farah Dakhlallah expressed condolences to the victims' families and called for a comprehensive investigation. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and victims of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J28243," she said, emphasizing the need for clarity.
Background and Aircraft Details
The crash has drawn comparisons to a 2018 incident involving an Embraer 190 operated by Air Astana, where control issues nearly caused a disaster. Flight data for the AZAL crash revealed erratic altitude changes and signal loss in its final 74 minutes, raising further questions.
The Embraer 190, known for its efficiency in short- to medium-range routes, has faced scrutiny in past incidents for structural and control issues.
National Mourning Declared
Thursday was observed as a national day of mourning in Azerbaijan. Flags were lowered across the country as leaders and citizens paid tribute to the victims of the tragic accident.