A harrowing video recorded by a passenger aboard a plane that crashed in Kazakhstan has emerged on social media, capturing the final moments of the ill-fated flight. The crash, which occurred near Aktau, a key oil and gas hub on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, resulted in 38 fatalities.
The video, taken from inside the cabin, shows the passengers’ desperate moments as the aircraft went into a steep descent. In the footage, the sounds of screams and crying are heard, accompanied by the distressing jingle of the ‘wear seatbelt’ sign. As the plane plummets, yellow oxygen masks can be seen dangling over the seats, signaling the dire situation onboard. One of the passengers is heard saying, “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), highlighting the panic and fear in the cabin.
The flight, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, to Grozny in Chechnya, Russia, when it encountered difficulties. The airline reported that the plane attempted an emergency landing about 3 kilometers from Aktau.
Following the crash, another video surfaced showing the aftermath: the plane’s ceiling panel, complete with reading lights and air vents, was upside down, and blood stains were visible on some of the armrests. The passengers’ screams for help echoed as they struggled for survival after the crash.
A total of 32 people survived the crash of the Embraer 190, a narrow-body passenger aircraft. Azerbaijani authorities confirmed the number of fatalities and said that emergency teams had quickly responded to the scene. The Kazakh emergency services worked to put out the fire that had broken out after the plane crashed.
In the wake of the tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a national day of mourning and canceled his planned visit to Russia for a summit of former Soviet leaders. President Aliyev also received condolences from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed his sorrow over the crash and sent medical aid to the victims.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also shared his condolences on social media, expressing his grief for the loss of life.
Flight Radar data revealed that the plane had deviated from its usual route over the Caspian Sea, before circling the area where it ultimately crashed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, as authorities continue to assess the wreckage and search for answers.
This tragedy has shocked the international community, and efforts are underway to provide support to the victims’ families while investigating the cause of the crash.
Sources By Agencies
