A plane flying from Baku to Grozny has crashed in Aktau. Report states that this information has been confirmed by the Emergency Situations Committee of Azerbaijan. According to the publication, citing the airline, preliminary information suggests that the cause of the incident was a collision with a flock of birds.
Media sources clarify that the aircraft had previously issued an emergency signal.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan reported that 52 personnel and 11 units of equipment have arrived at the crash site in Aktau.
"Upon arrival, the burning of the aircraft was discovered. Rescue teams have begun extinguishing the fire. Currently, information about the victims is being clarified; it is preliminarily reported that there are survivors," the agency's statement indicates.
A republican operational headquarters has been established at the Emergency Situations Command Center, where a hotline is operational: 8 7292 319 099, 8 7172 559 621, 8 7292 319 091.
The Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan reported that a passenger plane operating the Baku-Grozny route has crashed near the city of Aktau. This aircraft belongs to Azerbaijan Airlines.
"The circumstances of the incident are being clarified. A special investigation will be conducted," emphasized the Civil Aviation Committee.
It later became known that the Embraer 190 of Azerbaijan Airlines, operating flight Baku-Grozny No. J2-8243, made an emergency landing 3 km from the city of Aktau.
As of 12:28, the fire has been completely extinguished by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Medical and psychological teams are working at the site.
According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, preliminary information from the Azerbaijani side indicates that there were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board.