Authorities in Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan have been cautious in their initial assessments of the recent plane crash near Aktau. However, exclusive information obtained by Euronews from Azerbaijani government sources has suggested that the crash may have been caused by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The missile was reportedly fired during a drone activity incident above Grozny, the intended destination for the flight from Baku, and its fragments struck the aircraft, causing severe damage. The pilots allegedly requested an emergency landing but were denied permission at Russian airports, leading them to head towards Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane’s navigation system was switched off during its flight over the Caspian Sea.
Initial interpretations of the disaster varied among media and officials in Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. The Kremlin dismissed claims about the cause of the crash as speculative, urging the public to await the conclusion of an official investigation. Russian authorities and Azerbaijan Airlines suggested that the crash was caused by a bird strike, with the plane being diverted due to fog and then rerouted to Aktau due to an emergency. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the cause of the crash remained unknown, with various theories being possible, including adverse weather conditions. However, a report by Euronews and confirmation from Azerbaijani media outlets suggested that the crash may be linked to a Russian missile, with the aircraft possibly being attacked by a Russian air defense system.
Kazakhstan is also involved in the investigation into the crash but has yet to receive an official explanation from either Azerbaijan or Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev noted that they remain in constant contact with Azerbaijan but have not been provided with an official version of events. Local media in Kazakhstan reported that an oxygen cylinder explosion caused passengers to lose consciousness after the plane collided with birds. Some photos from the crash site also showed “shelling marks” on surviving parts of the fuselage. However, Kazakh authorities have labeled this version of events as speculation and urged the public to wait for the official investigation to conclude.
Overall, the governments of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan are handling the aftermath of the plane crash cautiously, with conflicting reports and speculation surrounding the cause of the tragedy. While initial assessments from Azerbaijani government sources point towards a Russian missile strike, Russian and Azerbaijani officials have suggested alternative explanations such as a bird strike. Kazakhstan remains in contact with Azerbaijan over the investigation but has yet to receive an official explanation, prompting a call to wait for the official investigation to be completed. The tragic crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines flight has raised considerable debate and uncertainty due to the varying interpretations of the disaster.
