Dozens died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was traveling from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku to Grozny, Russia when it caught fire while making an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
The media, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people died in the accident.
According to CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the paper that survivors were taken to hospital.
The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergencies Ministry confirmed in a statement to Telegram that 67 people, including five crew members, were on the plane.
PEOPLE has reached out to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergencies, Azerbaijan Airlines and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.
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The site of the accident in Kazakhstan.
Emergencies in Kazakhstan/Anatolia via Getty
In an initial statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated into English, the airline wrote: “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 citizens of Azerbaijan, 16 citizens of Russia, 6 citizens of Kazakhstan and 3 citizens of Kyrgyzstan.”
“There were 67 people on the plane, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided soon,” they added. “According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving first aid. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakh emergency rescue services at the scene.
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An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crashed on December 25, 2024.
Issa Tazhenbayev/Anadolu via Getty
According to CNN and Reuters, the video shows the craft circling before it hit the ground and burst into flames. Soon after, passengers covered in blood were also seen getting out of the wreckage.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for plane maker Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of today’s incident near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be available as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We are ready to help to all relevant authorities. Our concern and condolences go out to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education