Memorial for Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J28243 Victims at Baku Airport

A somber tribute has been established at the entrance to Terminal 2 of Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport, commemorating the victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J28243 crash. The tragedy, which occurred on December 25th, claimed the lives of 38 passengers and left many others critically injured. Floral tributes and a minute’s silence have become part of the memorial’s dedication to those who lost their lives.

National Mourning Declared by Azerbaijan’s President

In response to the devastating crash, President Ilham Aliyev declared a nationwide day of mourning. At noon, Azerbaijan observed a solemn minute of silence to honor the victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J28243 crash. Across the country and abroad, memorials were organized outside Azerbaijani institutions. Traffic came to a halt, and the horns of trains and ships echoed in tribute during the moment of reflection.

At the southern entrance of Terminal 2, mourners gathered to pay their respects. Azerbaijan Airlines issued an emotional statement, saying,

“We will never forget the beloved people we lost in the crash of the ‘Embraer-190’ aircraft. This loss left a deep wound in the heart of an entire community. It reminds us to be more compassionate and connected to one another.”

The Tragic Events of December 25th

The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190 faced a catastrophic emergency while attempting an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aktau, located along the shores of the Caspian Sea, became the site of this devastating accident. While 38 lives were tragically lost, 29 passengers survived the ordeal. The extraordinary efforts of the flight crew have been widely commended, as their bravery and composure during the loss of primary flight controls ensured the survival of many onboard.

Azerbaijan Airlines President Samir Rzayev acknowledged the crew’s heroism, stating,

“The flight’s two pilots and cabin crew are heroes for steering the plane to safety and saving numerous lives during this critical situation.”

Investigating the Cause of the Crash

Initial reports suggested that a bird strike may have caused the emergency. Leaked communication transcripts indicate that the pilots initially believed this theory as well. However, subsequent findings pointed to more alarming causes. It was revealed that Russian electronic weaponry had disrupted the aircraft’s communication systems, rendering the plane invisible on radar before reappearing en route to Kazakhstan.

Euronews later reported insider information from Azerbaijani government sources confirming that the aircraft had been struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile. The missile was allegedly fired under the mistaken belief that the commercial flight was a Ukrainian drone. This theory gained traction as investigators noted shrapnel-like holes in the tail of the aircraft.

The plane’s intended destination, Kadyrov Grozny International Airport (GRV), lies in a region recently targeted by Ukrainian drones. The aircraft, unable to land at nearby Russian airports due to denied access, was forced to divert across the Caspian Sea to Aktau Airport.

Update on Passengers and Rescue Efforts

In the aftermath of the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines and the Ministry of Emergency Situations released joint updates regarding the victims. Arrangements are underway to return the bodies of the deceased to Azerbaijan. The airline also pledged to transport injured passengers back to the country on a special flight once their medical conditions stabilize.

Some survivors have already been repatriated. A Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft transported nine injured Russian passengers back to Moscow. Among the 27 passengers hospitalized after the crash were 15 from Azerbaijan, eight from Russia, and three from Kyrgyzstan. Reports indicate that 11 are in intensive care, 13 are receiving treatment in trauma wards, two are in neurosurgery, and one is in the surgical ward.

• Featured image by Av Treflyn

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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