On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives and leaving 29 survivors. The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it encountered severe turbulence and loud bangs, leading to a catastrophic crash.
Key Details:
- Flight Path: The plane was diverted from its original route due to heavy fog in Grozny and attempted an emergency landing in Aktau.
- Survivor Accounts: Passengers reported hearing multiple loud bangs and experiencing a loss of cabin pressure before the crash.
- Investigation: Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Initial speculations suggest possible external interference, with some sources indicating that Russian air defenses might have mistakenly shot down the aircraft.
- Casualties: The crash claimed 38 lives, including both pilots, and left many survivors with serious injuries.
