Russia Warns Against Speculation in Azerbaijan Airlines Crash

Astana:
An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau on Wednesday, killing 38 of the 67 people onboard. The plane, an Embraer 190, went off course for reasons yet to be determined.

Early reports suggest that shrapnel damage was found on the wreckage, leading to speculation that a Russian surface-to-air missile may have caused the crash. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has urged caution, stating that it is "wrong to make any hypotheses before the investigation’s conclusions."

Flight Details and Survivors

The flight, traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, deviated from its path, crossing the Caspian Sea before crashing near Aktau. Of the 67 people onboard, 29 survived, including three children. Eleven of the injured are in intensive care.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared a day of mourning and cancelled a planned visit to Russia. In a statement, he expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have recovered two black-box recorders to aid the investigation. Local and international media, citing unnamed sources, reported that a Russian missile may have struck the plane. The crash occurred in an area where increased military activity has been reported.

Kazakhstan’s health ministry confirmed the deaths of 38 passengers, while survivors recounted the traumatic scene.

Witness Accounts

A local resident, Elmira, described finding survivors covered in blood and calling for help. "I’ll never forget their looks of pain and despair," she said, recounting how she and others rushed to save those they could.

International Reaction

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Azerbaijan’s president, while the U.S. and Azerbaijani officials continue to monitor developments. The crash has drawn comparisons to past incidents involving surface-to-air missiles, though no official cause has been determined.