Azerbaijan Airlines Jet Crashes in Kazakhstan

An Azerbaijan Airlines jet carrying 67 people crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and 29 survivors, including two children. Initial investigations suggest a bird strike may have caused an emergency that led the pilot to divert the flight, although reports also indicate that fog might have played a role. Eyewitness videos captured the terrifying moments before the crash, showing passengers praying and oxygen masks deploying as the aircraft suffered damage. After the crash, rescuers found many survivors in the tail section of the plane, which remained relatively intact compared to the front, which was engulfed in flames. The crash occurred during a flight from Baku to Grozny, with various nationalities among the passengers, including Azerbaijani, Russian, Kazakhstani, and Kyrgyzstani citizens. The situation has prompted an outpouring of support and condolences from officials, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who interrupted his trip to Russia upon hearing the news.