The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190AR crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Christmas Day, claiming 42 lives and leaving 28 survivors. The aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, erupted into flames upon impact, with survivors emerging dazed and bloodied from the wreckage. The crash site, located three kilometers from Aktau, became a scene of destruction and heartbreak.

Shortly after a distress signal at 2,125 feet over the Caspian Sea, the plane attempted an emergency landing. A suspected bird strike reportedly caused an onboard oxygen tank to explode, triggering the crash. Rescue teams extinguished the flames and rushed survivors to hospitals, where seven remain critical, including two children. Both pilots are believed to have perished, with a female flight attendant as the only surviving crew member.

The tragedy drew international sympathy. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev returned from Russia, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offered condolences. Local authorities urged blood donations for survivors, highlighting community solidarity.

Survivors described the cabin filling with smoke before impact, leaving many unconscious. Witnesses saw passengers fleeing from the severed rear of the plane, surrounded by scattered wreckage.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have launched a joint investigation, focusing on technical failures and safety measures to prevent future tragedies.