Russia being blamed for Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed hundreds of miles off course, killing dozens
More than 30 passengers tragically lost their lives after an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. The Embraer 190 passenger jet, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, had deviated from its scheduled route and crashed on the opposite shore of the Caspian Sea. Kazakh authorities confirmed that there were 38 fatalities and 29 survivors who sustained injuries.
The incident has sparked speculation and blame, with aviation and Ukrainian officials pointing fingers at Russia. According to reports, the flight had crossed the sea shortly after drone strikes hit southern Russia, leading to the shutdown of airports in the region. Aviation-security firm Osprey Flight Solutions suggested that the aircraft was likely shot down by a Russian military air-defense system, while Ukrainian national security official Andriy Kovalenko also attributed the crash to a Russian air-defense system.
Despite these claims, Russia’s aviation watchdog has suggested that the crash may have been caused by a bird strike. The passengers on board the ill-fated flight included citizens from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Tragically, both pilots were among the fatalities, with emergency workers recovering four bodies from the crash site.
Video footage of the crash showed the plane rapidly descending and bursting into flames upon impact with the seashore. Survivors, including two children, were seen stumbling out of the wreckage. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who was on his way to Russia, returned to Azerbaijan upon learning of the crash. He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and declared a day of mourning in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Airlines has vowed to keep the public informed and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. The airline changed its social media banners to black as a sign of mourning. As investigations into the crash continue, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragic event.
(Source: Fox News)
