Russian President Vladimir Putin Apologizes for Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash in Kazakhstan
MOSCOW, Dec 28 (Bernama-AA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday to offer his apologies and condolences for this week’s Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan.
Apology and Condolences
Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, according to the Kremlin’s statement.
Investigation into the Crash
Putin highlighted that the Azerbaijani passenger aircraft had made multiple attempts to land in the city of Grozny, Chechnya, at a time when Russian air defence systems were actively responding to a Ukrainian drone attack. He also told Aliyev that the Russian Investigative Committee had initiated a case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, which covers violations of air traffic safety and operational rules.
Preliminary Investigative Actions
Preliminary investigative actions are underway, with civilian and military specialists being consulted, the statement added.
Background of the Crash
On Wednesday, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, to Grozny crashed near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors among the 67 on board.
Collaboration between Russian and Azerbaijani Officials
Two representatives from Azerbaijan’s General Prosecutor’s Office are currently in Grozny, collaborating with Russian officials from the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Investigative Committee. Various services from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan are coordinating closely at the crash site near Aktau to manage the aftermath of the disaster.
Azerbaijani President’s Statement
According to the statement, Aliyev stressed that the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane had faced external physical and technical interference while in Russian airspace, specifically over Chechnya. This interference caused the aircraft to lose complete control, forcing it to divert to Aktau, Kazakhstan, where it managed a crash landing thanks to the exceptional courage and professionalism of the pilots.
Key Evidence of Interference
The Azerbaijani president highlighted key evidence of interference – numerous holes in the aircraft’s fuselage, passengers and crew injured by penetrating particles during the flight, and statements from the team and survivors – which together established the occurrence of external interference.
Agreement on Comprehensive Investigation
During their discussion, the two leaders agreed on the need for a comprehensive investigation into the tragic crash and the importance of ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Aliyev noted that, at Azerbaijan’s initiative, a delegation of international experts had been assembled to thoroughly investigate the causes of the incident and had already begun its work.
Commitment to Transparency
Both presidents underscored their commitment to a transparent investigation process, vowing to keep the public regularly informed of its progress and findings.
Conclusion
The tragic incident highlights the importance of ensuring air traffic safety and operational rules are strictly adhered to, and the need for a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the crash. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that all parties involved work together to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the public is kept informed of the progress and findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the cause of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan?
A: The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, but the Azerbaijani president has cited external physical and technical interference in Russian airspace as a likely factor.
Q: What is being done to investigate the crash?
A: A comprehensive investigation is underway, involving Russian, Azerbaijani, and international experts.
Q: How many people were killed in the crash?
A: 38 people were killed in the crash, leaving 29 survivors among the 67 on board.
Q: What is the next step in the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with a focus on identifying the causes of the crash and holding those responsible accountable.