Dozens are feared dead after an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed near Aktau airport in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.
Initial reports indicate conflicting numbers of people aboard the aircraft, with figures ranging from 67 to 110 passengers and crew members.
Six people have survived the crash, according to Kazakh authorities.
The incident occurred after the aircraft was diverted from its original route, with emergency services responding to the scene.
Eyewitness footage showing the moment of the crash
REUTERS
Kazakhstan’s emergencies ministry confirmed the crash, with rescue operations currently underway at the site.
The Azerbaijan Airlines flight was originally travelling from Baku in Azerbaijan to Grozny in Russia.
The aircraft was forced to divert from its planned route due to fog conditions.
No immediate comment was available from Azerbaijan Airlines regarding the circumstances of the diversion or subsequent crash.
The footage shows the plane erupting into a huge fireball after the crash
REUTERS
Emergency services arrived at the crash site to find the aircraft on fire, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Rescue units immediately began working to extinguish the blaze.
The ministry confirmed that the fire has since been successfully put out.
“Rescue units began extinguishing the fire. Currently, information about the victims is being clarified, and according to preliminary information, there are survivors,” the ministry said.
Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash
REUTERS
Emergency response teams remain at the scene as they continue their rescue and recovery operations.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the total number of people aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear as rescue operations continue at the site.
Emergency services are working to clarify information about the victims.