Azerbaijan Airlines, whose passenger jet tragically crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25, stated that initial investigations suggest the accident occurred due to ‘physical and technical external interference.’ The claim, reported by CNN citing Azerbaijan’s state news agency AZERTAC, has sparked debates and allegations about the cause of the disaster.
The crash claimed 38 lives, including two pilots, out of the 67 passengers onboard. Additionally, 11 out of the survivors are still in a critical condition, receiving medical care. Kazakh authorities confirmed the fatalities, making it one of the most devastating aviation incidents in recent times.
Possible Reasons Behind Crash
Earlier reports pointed fingers at a Russian anti-aircraft system as a potential cause. Adding complexity, Russian officials attributed the incident to disruptions caused by Ukrainian drones in the region. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, alleged that Ukrainian combat drones were conducting attacks on civilian infrastructure in Grozny and Vladikavkaz at the time. This, coupled with heavy fog, forced the airspace in southern Russia to shut down, leaving the jet with limited options for landing.
Details Of The Horrific Crash
The flight, originally bound for Chechnya’s Grozny, attempted to land twice but was unsuccessful. Russian authorities advised the pilot to divert to alternate airports. Instead, the pilot reportedly decided to proceed to Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan, located across the Caspian Sea. The dense fog in the area further complicated the landing attempts, ultimately leading to the crash.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, dismissed Russia’s narrative, accusing Moscow of spreading misinformation to cover up its role in the tragedy. He claimed Russian forces likely forced the damaged jet to cross the sea to hide evidence of their actions. “Photos and videos from the cabin and crash site are a smoking gun,” Sybiha stated, urging for an impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, the Russian government on Thursday warned against speculation surrounding the crash. However, the allegations and counterclaims have only deepened the divide, with both sides calling for transparency.
