The head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, Dmitry Yadrov, has confirmed Russia's readiness to assist in the investigation of the Embraer plane crash near Aktau. Speaking about the incident, Yadrov stated,
“The Russian side immediately informed the Kazakh and Azerbaijani colleagues of its full and comprehensive readiness to cooperate in the investigation of this tragedy.”
Circumstances Surrounding the Crash
According to Yadrov, the incident involved several complex factors that require detailed investigation. On the day of the crash, the area around Grozny airport faced challenging conditions.
“At that time, Ukrainian combat drones were carrying out terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure in the cities of Grozny and Vladikavkaz,” Yadrov noted.
In response to the attacks, the “Carpet” regime was activated in the Grozny airport area. This procedure required the immediate departure of all aircraft from the vicinity.
Additionally, weather conditions around Grozny airport further complicated the situation. Yadrov explained,
“There was dense fog in the area of the Grozny airport. There was no visibility at an altitude of 500 meters.”
The aircraft’s commander made two unsuccessful attempts to land in Grozny before opting to divert. Alternative airports were suggested, and the decision was made to proceed to Aktau.
Yadrov emphasized that the investigation must carefully examine all factors, including operational decisions and environmental conditions. “It is necessary to carefully and completely verify all the circumstances of the incident,” he said.
Yadrov reiterated Russia’s commitment to a thorough investigation in collaboration with Kazakh and Azerbaijani authorities.
“We are fully prepared for this work in cooperation with our colleagues,” he stated.
Chechen authorities announced the previous day that "on the instructions of Ramzan Kadyrov, they are ready to provide financial and other assistance to all the families of those killed and injured" in the crash of an AZAL plane traveling from Baku to Grozny.
However, according to Day.Az, the Azerbaijani presidential administration responded that the country does not need any assistance and will not accept it. A source in the administration stated,
"Azerbaijan does not need any assistance. Neither the state nor the citizens will accept such assistance. We provide and will provide the necessary assistance to our citizens. Azerbaijan demands recognition of the fact, an apology, and payment of appropriate compensation."
The crash occurred on December 25 when an Embraer 190 passenger plane, belonging to AZAL, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau Airport. The flight was en route from Baku to Grozny.
Passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan, rescue efforts underway
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) December 25, 2024
A passenger plane flying from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, with emergency teams working to extinguish a fire and investigate the incident.
👉 Details — https://t.co/BGWtVFzUZo#Kazakhstan… pic.twitter.com/qP8ijs1rxP
There were 67 people aboard the plane, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. After the crash, 27 individuals were hospitalized, including 15 Azerbaijanis, 8 Russians, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens. The identity of one individual has yet to be determined.
Both pilots and a flight attendant perished in the crash, while two crew members survived. On December 26, 14 victims and the bodies of four deceased passengers were returned to Azerbaijan.
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