The Daily Star Ireland
Azerbaijan Airlines has reported that “external physical and technical interference” was involved in the crash of their plane in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. This conclusion comes from preliminary findings of an investigation into the tragic incident.
The crash of flight J2-8243, near the city of Aktau, resulted in the deaths of at least 38 people. The plane had diverted from its original route from Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, to Grozny in Russia’s southern Chechnya region, ultimately veering across the Caspian Sea.
Sources familiar with Azerbaijan’s preliminary investigation revealed that the plane was mistakenly shot down by Russian air defenses. This occurred during a period when Ukrainian drones were allegedly attacking Grozny, according to Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s civil aviation agency. Yadrov also mentioned that dense fog and complex conditions at Grozny airport added to the difficulties the flight encountered.
Yadrov stated that the Ukrainian drones were targeting civilian infrastructure during the incident, and the plane had made two failed attempts to land. The pilot then decided to divert to Aktau airport.
Earlier, Russia’s aviation watchdog suggested that a bird strike might have caused the emergency. However, the investigation is ongoing, and the Kremlin has withheld further comments until its completion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a thorough investigation, pointing to what he claims is clear visual evidence of Russian involvement. He emphasized the need to establish the truth behind the loss of life.
One survivor, Subhonkul Rakhimov, described hearing a loud bang as the plane approached Grozny. He recounted that the aircraft behaved erratically afterward, leading him to fear for his life.
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to seven Russian cities, citing safety concerns based on the initial investigation results.
