Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 Crashes Near Aktau, Kazakhstan, Leaving 38 Dead

Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 Crashes Near Aktau, Kazakhstan, Leaving 38 Dead

25th Dec 2024

Aktau, Kazakhstan, December 25, 2024– In a tragic turn of events on Christmas Day, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, an Embraer E190 aircraft, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, claiming the lives of 38 people. The flight was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when adverse weather conditions forced it to divert to Aktau. 

The plane, carrying 67 passengers and crew, declared an emergency while flying over the Caspian Sea, reportedly due to a bird strike. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft circling before attempting an emergency landing. Tragically, the plane burst into flames upon impact, leaving a trail of wreckage near Aktau.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, rescuing 29 survivors who were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Many of the survivors are said to be in critical condition, as hospitals in Aktau work tirelessly to provide care. 

The incident marks the first fatal accident for Azerbaijan Airlines in nearly two decades, with the previous one being Flight 217 in 2005. The airline has expressed its condolences to the victims' families and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Kazakh authorities, along with representatives from Azerbaijan Airlines and the aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, have initiated a probe to determine the exact cause of the crash. Preliminary investigations suggest the bird strike may have caused critical damage, leading to the emergency landing attempt. 

“This is a devastating tragedy for all involved,” said a spokesperson for Azerbaijan Airlines. “Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives, and we are committed to supporting the survivors during this difficult time.”  

In the wake of the accident, aviation experts have called for enhanced bird-strike prevention measures, particularly in regions with dense migratory bird populations.  

As the investigation continues, the world mourns this Christmas Day tragedy, offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.