Azerbaijan Plane Crash: 38 Dead, Missile Strike Speculated

A tragic plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, claimed 38 lives and injured many after an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 aircraft veered off course and burst into flames upon landing. The plane, carrying 67 passengers, was diverted from Grozny, Chechnya, due to fog. Survivors reported an explosion before the crash, fueling speculation about external interference. Azerbaijan observed a national day of mourning for the victims, with President Ilham Aliyev expressing deep sorrow.

Reports in Azerbaijani media allege that shrapnel from a Russian Pantsir-S missile may have caused the crash, though Russian authorities have urged restraint in promoting such theories pending an investigation. Aviation experts have questioned alternative explanations, such as bird strikes, citing shrapnel damage indicative of a missile. The incident follows heightened military activity in the region, including recent Ukrainian drone strikes in Chechnya and surrounding areas.

Authorities in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are investigating the incident, with flight data recorders recovered from the wreckage. Moscow faces scrutiny over its airspace management and handling of the diversion, as Azerbaijani media speculate on Russia’s potential involvement. Meanwhile, seven injured passengers have been deemed fit to return to Baku, and efforts continue to uncover the cause of the disaster.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright