A passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday, resulting in 38 fatalities. Statements made following the incident have sparked international debate.
Russian Missile Allegations
Azerbaijani government officials confirmed to Euronews on Thursday that the crash was caused by a Russian missile. According to sources, flight 8432 was targeted during a drone operation over Grozny. Shrapnel from a missile explosion near the aircraft caused significant damage, affecting both passengers and crew.
Emergency Landing Request Denied
Officials told Euronews that the pilots’ requests for an emergency landing were denied by Russia. The damaged plane was redirected over the Caspian Sea to Aktau, Kazakhstan. Data indicates that the aircraft experienced failures in its GPS navigation systems during the diversion.
Victims’ Nationalities Revealed
Azerbaijan Airlines stated that the flight carried 62 passengers and 5 crew members. Among the passengers, 37 were Azerbaijani, 16 were Russian, 6 were Kazakh, and 3 were Kyrgyz citizens.
Updated Fatality Numbers in Rescue Operations
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev announced during a meeting with Azerbaijani officials that 38 of the 67 people onboard had died. Initial reports placed the death toll at 30, but the figure was revised as search and rescue operations progressed.
International Investigation Launched
The crash has prompted scrutiny of Russia’s airspace security and military activities in the region. The governments of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have requested assistance from international organizations to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
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