Investigation into the Crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Passenger Plane Continues
A recent plane crash in Kazakhstan has raised concerns about a possible shootdown by Russia. The Embraer 190, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was flying from Baku to Grozny with 69 people on board when it crashed near the city of Aktau on Christmas Day. The accident resulted in at least 38 fatalities and 29 injuries.
Initial Suspicions and New Revelations
Initially, authorities suspected a bird strike as the cause of the crash. However, it was later discovered that one of the plane’s oxygen tanks had exploded. This new information, combined with the plane’s significant deviation from its planned route and the presence of holes in the fuselage, has fueled speculation about a possible missile strike.
Expert Analysis and Theories
Some aviation analysts and Russian military defenders have pointed out that the area where the plane flew had been militarized by Russian forces. Additionally, Grozny, the plane’s intended destination, was under attack by Ukrainian drones at the time of the crash. The holes in the fuselage have been compared to damage caused by missile shrapnel, further fueling the speculation.
Aftermath and Response
Images and videos of the crash have been circulating online, showing the plane’s steep descent and the destruction caused by the accident. Despite the tragedy, at least 29 people survived and have been hospitalized. Kazakh authorities have confirmed the recovery of four bodies, and the search for more survivors continues.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. A delegation has been sent to Aktau to conduct an on-site investigation, and debate over the cause of the crash continues.