Plane crash in kazakhstan leaves dozens dead

A tragic plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, has left dozens dead, with reports indicating at least 30 survivors.

The Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243, carrying approximately 70 people, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it caught fire during an emergency landing early Wednesday.

The Embraer 190 aircraft had been diverted to Aktau due to heavy fog, according to the airline. Flightradar24 data shows the plane departed Baku at 03:55 GMT and crashed around 06:28, approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from its intended landing site.

Footage of the incident reveals the plane descending at high speed with its landing gear deployed before erupting into flames on impact.

Initial reports from Russian media suggest the aircraft may have collided with a flock of birds, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the total number of passengers and survivors. Azerbaijan Airlines stated that 62 passengers and 5 crew members were on board, but other reports place the total at 72. Survivors reportedly range between 28 and 32.

The passengers included primarily Azerbaijani nationals, along with individuals from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

In response to the tragedy, Azerbaijan Airlines announced the suspension of flights between Baku and the Russian cities of Grozny and Makhachkala pending the outcome of an investigation.

Authorities from both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are coordinating efforts to identify the victims and determine the cause of the crash.