The crash of an Embraer 190 passenger plane in Kazakhstan, which claimed the lives of 38 people, has prompted a restrained response from the Russian government, emphasizing the need to avoid premature conclusions about the tragedy's cause. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed the importance of waiting for the ongoing investigation to conclude, discouraging any speculation or hypothesizing about the incident. The comments followed claims and media reports hinting at potential involvement of Russian air defense systems.
The plane, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, had taken off from Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday morning, heading for Grozny in Russia's Chechnya. However, thick fog forced the aircraft to divert to Aktau in western Kazakhstan. Eyewitness accounts from survivors suggest that the pilot made two attempts to land in Grozny despite the poor visibility. On the third attempt, something reportedly exploded, causing severe damage to the aircraft before it ultimately crashed approximately three kilometers short of the runway in Aktau. The impact triggered a devastating fire.
Of the 67 passengers and crew aboard, 29 survived, while the remaining 38 lost their lives. The tragic loss has deeply affected Azerbaijan, with President Ilham Aliyev declaring a national day of mourning to honor the victims. Describing the incident as "a great tragedy" for the nation, Aliyev extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
Amidst the aftermath, aviation experts and state media have put forth various theories regarding the cause of the crash. Some suggested the possibility of the aircraft being struck by Russian air defense systems over Chechnya, a claim attributed to unnamed officials in Azerbaijani state media. However, Russian authorities have rejected these speculations. Peskov reiterated that the focus should remain on the formal investigation led by Kazakh authorities, who have already recovered the aircraft's flight data recorder.
The crash has also drawn international attention to aviation safety in the region. Survivors, speaking to Russian media, recalled the harrowing moments before the crash. One passenger described the cabin's chaos following the explosion, with parts of the aircraft's structure reportedly "blown out." Despite the horrifying circumstances, the pilot's efforts to land safely during the foggy conditions have been noted as valiant, though ultimately unsuccessful.
As the investigation continues, aviation experts and officials will likely analyze the flight recorder's data to determine the sequence of events leading to the explosion and subsequent crash. The findings will be crucial in addressing any systemic issues in regional aviation safety and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have pledged to cooperate fully to uncover the truth behind this devastating accident.
