Russian missile caused Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash.
The aircraft, reportedly operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was initially flying from Baku to Grozny when the incident occurred. However, the situation took a tragic turn when the plane, which was attempting to land at Aktau Airport, was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The missile strike caused the aircraft to crash, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
The plane, which was carrying both passengers and crew, had been diverted to Aktau after poor visibility in Grozny made it impossible for the aircraft to land safely at its original destination. The exact reason for the missile strike is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been a tragic accident amid heightened military tensions in the region.
Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have all launched inquiries into the crash, with aviation experts and defense officials working to determine the full sequence of events that led to this disaster. The incident has shocked the international community, raising concerns over the safety of civil aviation in conflict zones.
Azerbaijani government sources confirmed on Thursday to Euronews that the tragic plane crash in Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday was caused by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The incident resulted in the deaths of 38 people, according to Azerbaijan’s Emergency Ministry. The aircraft, which was reportedly operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny in Russia’s Chechnya region. However, due to dense fog in Grozny, the flight was rerouted to Aktau, where it ultimately met a devastating fate.
The flight, initially planned to reach Grozny, was redirected because of poor visibility, and the pilots requested an emergency landing at Aktau Airport. As they approached the airport, tragedy struck when the plane was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The missile strike caused the aircraft to crash, leaving 38 people dead. Among the 29 survivors, many suffered injuries, some severe, as the aircraft went down.
National Mourning in Azerbaijan
The national flags across the country were lowered to half-mast, a symbol of respect and grief. The country came to a standstill as traffic halted at noon, and a nationwide moment of silence was observed. In a poignant gesture, ships and trains across Azerbaijan also sounded their horns in unison, paying tribute to the lives lost.
The loss of life in this crash has deeply affected the nation, and the day of mourning reflected the sorrow shared by the entire Azerbaijani population. In the days following the crash, speculation mounted about the cause of the incident, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the missile strike and the potential risks faced by civil aviation in conflict zones.
The Speculation and Initial Investigations
The cause of the crash remained unclear in the initial hours after the incident, fueling widespread speculation. Some reports suggested that the crash could have been due to mechanical failure, while others pointed to possible technical malfunctions or external factors. As the investigation progressed, Azerbaijani and international authorities sought to piece together the sequence of events that led to the disaster.
Initially, Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, issued a statement clarifying that preliminary information pointed to a bird strike being the cause of an emergency on board the aircraft. However, as investigations continued, it became apparent that the incident was far more complex. The final report from the Azerbaijani government confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile was the primary cause of the crash, with the missile strike being a catastrophic event that led to the aircraft’s destruction.
The Rerouting and Emergency Landing Request
The flight had been rerouted to Aktau due to the heavy fog in Grozny, which made it impossible for the plane to land at its intended destination. This decision, made in consultation with air traffic control, led the aircraft to change its course and head toward Aktau. The rerouting of flights is not uncommon in adverse weather conditions, but the emergency landing request was an unfortunate prelude to the tragedy.
According to official reports, the plane was in the process of preparing for an emergency landing at Aktau when the missile strike occurred, causing the crash. The missile strike appears to have been a tragic accident, and initial inquiries suggest that it may have been an unintended consequence of the tense military situation in the region. The investigation will likely delve deeper into the geopolitical factors that may have contributed to the missile strike, as well as the safety measures that were in place for the flight.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed its shock and grief over the crash, with many world leaders offering condolences to Azerbaijan and the families of the victims. The United Nations, the European Union, and other international bodies have called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the missile strike and expressed concern over the safety of civilian flights in regions with active military operations.
As the investigation continues, there will likely be more questions raised about the safety protocols for civil aviation in conflict zones. The crash has underscored the risks faced by civilian flights when navigating regions where military activity is present, and it will likely prompt a reevaluation of safety measures in such areas.