Russia Cautions Against Speculation on Azerbaijan Airlines Crash in Kazakhstan
Russia has cautioned against speculation surrounding the causes of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people. Initial indications of shrapnel damage have raised concerns about military involvement, though a formal investigation is ongoing. Despite various theories, authorities stress the importance of waiting for the investigation’s findings before making any assumptions about the incident.
The Russian government has warned against premature speculation regarding the cause of the crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane in Kazakhstan, which resulted in 38 fatalities. Initial investigations revealed potential shrapnel damage to the aircraft, with some experts questioning whether air defense systems in Chechnya might have targeted the plane.
Prior to the incident, the plane, an Embraer 190, deviated from its route from Baku to Grozny due to fog, landing instead near Aktau. Although 29 of the 67 passengers survived, Azerbaijan declared a national day of mourning. President Ilham Aliyev expressed that it was a significant tragedy for the Azerbaijani people.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of withholding hypotheses until a thorough investigation concludes, asserting that speculation should not precede facts. Witness accounts suggest the aircraft experienced explosive decompression before crash-landing.
The flight data recorder has been recovered, and an investigation is ongoing. Some reports suggested a strike from a flock of birds as a potential cause, though this is often inconsistent with the flight’s erratic course. Aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia indicated that while a bird strike could cause loss of control, it would not account for the plane’s abrupt trajectory.
Justin Crump, from Sibylline, noted that the shrapnel pattern pointed towards a possible air defense missile detonation. Chechnya has previously experienced drone strikes, heightening concerns about air safety in the region. Kazakhstan’s senate head affirmed that all countries involved would ensure transparency in releasing information about the crash.
Most passengers were Azerbaijani, with a few from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Distressing footage showed survivors escaping the wreckage, with injured individuals taken to local hospitals. Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed that the aircraft had undergone servicing just last month and had no mechanical issues.
Embraer, the aircraft manufacturer, has a solid safety record, further complicating the narrative surrounding the incident. Authorities from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan are committed to uncovering the crash’s true causes through a comprehensive investigation.
The unfortunate crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan has raised numerous concerns and questions regarding air safety and potential external factors contributing to the disaster. While speculation is rife, officials from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan emphasize the need for a thorough investigation before drawing any conclusions. Attention is focused on identifying the true cause, whether technical or related to external threats, as the investigation proceeds with transparency.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
