Breaking news: Passenger aircraft on way to Russia crashes near Kazakhstan’s Aktau

Astana: A passenger plane crashed near Aktau city in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, with preliminary reports indicating the presence of survivors, according to a statement from the country’s Emergencies Ministry. According to Russian news agencies, the plane, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was traveling from Baku to Grozny in Russia’s Chechnya but was diverted due to fog in Grozny. Alleged footage of the crash surfaced on social media, showing an aircraft plummeting to the ground and erupting into a fireball.

New video shows plane carrying 72 people crashing near Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan. At least 10 survivors pic.twitter.com/SKGdc1vqFa

— BNO News (@BNONews) December 25, 2024

Reuters, quoting Azerbaijan Airlines, confirmed that the plane had 72 people on board. Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry stated that the plane was diverted to Aktau because of thick fog in Grozny. The Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft reportedly made several passes over the airport before the crash occurred.

Details regarding casualties and the exact cause of the crash have not been confirmed yet. Preliminary reports indicate that there are survivors. The country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations stated that its personnel are working to extinguish the fire at the crash site.

“A total of 52 rescuers from the Kazakh Emergencies Ministry and 11 pieces of equipment arrived at the crash site. Upon arrival, they saw the plane in flames. Firefighters are now extinguishing it. The information about the injured is being clarified, but according to preliminary data there are survivors,” the statement was quoted by state agency TASS.

This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.