AB
Footage has emerged capturing the heart-stopping moments onboard a doomed jet just before it crashed in Kazakhstan. Passengers, gripped by terror, were seen praying as chaos unfolded inside the aircraft, moments before the tragedy struck.
Panic in the Cabin
The horrifying video, filmed by a passenger, shows the unsettling scene inside the cabin of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight. Oxygen masks hung from the ceiling, and visible damage marked the cabin’s interior. People can be heard muttering prayers as the reality of the situation dawned upon them. The flight, an Embraer 190, was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Initial reports estimated 67 people onboard; however, it was later confirmed that the flight carried 105 passengers and five crew members. Sadly, 42 fatalities are feared from the incident.
Moments of Impact Captured
Another video, filmed during the crash, captured the terrifying sight of the plane splitting apart as it hit the ground. The front of the aircraft exploded into flames, while thick black smoke billowed upward. The fuselage broke into multiple pieces, scattering wreckage across a vast area.
Rescue Operations at the Crash Site
Rescue teams arrived swiftly at the crash site, focusing their efforts on the severed rear section of the aircraft. Miraculously, 29 survivors were found amidst the wreckage, many of them in the rear section that had avoided the worst of the fire. Among the survivors, one woman cried out to rescuers, “Help me, please!” A firefighter responded, asking if she needed help to stand. She confirmed she required assistance to escape the debris.
Emergency workers climbed through the overturned plane, encountering bloodied and injured passengers. Survivors stumbled out of the wreckage, visibly dazed and bruised. Some managed to walk to safety, while others collapsed in shock and exhaustion.
Tragic Toll and Survivor Updates
Authorities confirmed that 22 of the 29 survivors were rushed to hospitals, with seven in critical condition. Tragically, at least ten passengers died after being ejected from the cabin during the crash. Two of the survivors were children, aged 11 and 16, who are now receiving treatment.
The Ministry of Health stated that all survivors are receiving the necessary medical care. Local hospitals mobilized 23 ambulance teams to assist at the scene and transport the injured.
The Plane’s Final Descent
The Embraer 190, registered as 4K-AZ65, issued a distress signal while flying at 2,125 feet over the Caspian Sea. The crew reported a significant impact on the aircraft’s hull, initially suspected to be from a bird strike. However, investigators now believe that an oxygen tank explosion caused a sudden depressurization, leading to the structural failure of the fuselage.
Witnesses reported seeing the plane descending steeply, with its nose pointing downward. Moments before the crash, the crew struggled to regain control, but the aircraft was ultimately unable to recover.
Witness Footage of the Crash
Harrowing footage from bystanders captured the moment the plane hit the ground, erupting into flames. Drone footage later revealed two main crash sites, separated by hundreds of yards. Mangled wreckage and scattered human remains painted a grim picture of the disaster.
Survivor Stories
Among the survivors is Kristina Evstigneeva, a 34-year-old travel agent from Vladivostok. She remains in critical condition and has undergone brain surgery. Another survivor, Zaur Mamedov, 36, had been returning to Grozny after attending his father’s funeral in Baku.
Many survivors owe their lives to their seating location in the rear section of the plane, which was less affected by the flames. The front of the aircraft, however, was completely destroyed in the fiery impact.
Investigation and Early Theories
Kazakhstan’s authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Early reports suggest a mechanical failure or the explosion of an oxygen tank as potential causes. Another theory points to a bird strike, which may have damaged the plane’s steering system.
A government commission has been established to investigate the crash, and Kazakhstan has pledged to cooperate with Azerbaijan in determining the exact cause. Experts are analyzing flight data and wreckage fragments to piece together the chain of events.
Community Support in Aktau
Residents of Aktau have stepped up to support the victims, donating blood for the injured survivors. The local community has rallied around those affected, demonstrating solidarity during this tragic time.
Official Responses and Condolences
The crash has drawn condolences from leaders across the region. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev interrupted a summit in Russia to return home after learning of the disaster. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his sympathy in a call with Aliyev, mourning the loss of lives.
Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed leader of Chechnya, also offered condolences, pledging prayers for the survivors and their families. In a statement, Kadyrov emphasized the dire condition of those hospitalized and urged support for the victims.
Flight’s Tragic Detour
The ill-fated flight was originally routed to Grozny but was redirected to Aktau due to heavy fog. This decision, though routine, set the stage for the tragic emergency landing attempt near Aktau’s oil-rich region along the Caspian Sea.
Crew and Passenger Details
Unconfirmed reports suggest both pilots perished in the crash. Among the crew, only a female flight attendant is believed to have survived. Passengers included 37 Azerbaijan citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz nationals.
Continuing Efforts and Global Mourning
Emergency teams continue to work at the crash site, recovering debris and assisting investigators. Families of the victims are receiving support as authorities strive to provide answers. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the global aviation community, sparking discussions about safety protocols and mechanical reliability.
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan remain committed to uncovering the truth behind this devastating incident, ensuring that the victims and their families receive justice and closure.
