Christmas: Over 40 feared dead as Azerbaijan airplane crashes in Kazakhstan

A devastating Christmas Day crash has left more than 40 people feared dead after an Azerbaijan Airlines plane with 72 people on board plummeted to the ground in Kazakhstan. 

The incident occurred as the Embraer 190 aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed in a fireball upon landing in Aktau, located on the Caspian Sea’s eastern shore.

According to DailyMailUK, the plane was carrying 67 passengers and five crew members when it burst into flames and broke into several parts on impact. 

Dramatic footage from the scene captured thick black smoke rising as the wreckage was engulfed in fire. Emergency teams were quickly dispatched to put out the flames.

The Kazakh Ministry of Health reported that 14 survivors were initially taken to the regional hospital, with five in intensive care. 

Later updates confirmed that 28 people survived the crash, seven of whom are in serious condition. However, at least 10 people were confirmed dead, with more than 40 feared to have perished.

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Azerbaijan Airlines stated that the plane had made an emergency landing three kilometres from Aktau after being rerouted from its original destination, Grozny, due to fog. 

The Kazakh Ministry confirmed the crash in a Telegram statement, revealing that a bird strike may have caused the engine failure, followed by an explosion of an oxygen tank on board. Survivors reported that passengers began losing consciousness after the blast.

Footage from the scene also showed the pilot attempting to regain control of the aircraft after a steep fall, but the crash ultimately led to catastrophic explosions and fire. 

The wreckage was spread across several hundred yards at Aktau airport, with mangled human remains scattered on the ground. Bloodied passengers were seen emerging from the wreckage, with some managing to walk away from the scene while others sat in shock.

Among the survivors were two children, aged 11 and 16, who are now receiving medical care at local hospitals. A large-scale response saw 23 ambulance teams dispatched to the crash site, while residents of Aktau were asked to donate blood for the survivors.

The tragic crash has prompted an investigation by Kazakh authorities, who are examining multiple potential causes, including technical issues with the aircraft.

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