Azerbaijan Airlines blames 'external interference' for Kazakhstan plane crash; Russian authorities suggest drone attack
PTC Web Desk: Azerbaijan Airlines, the carrier of the passenger jet that tragically crashed in Kazakhstan on December 25, has revealed that initial investigations indicate the accident occurred due to "physical and technical external interference." The news was reported by CNN, citing Azerbaijan's state news agency AZERTAC.
Earlier reports suggested that a Russian anti-aircraft system might have played a role in the crash. The accident led to the deaths of 38 persons, including two pilots, out of the 67 passengers on board, according to Kazakh authorities.
On Friday, the Russian government claimed that the plane's original route to Chechnya's Grozny was diverted due to Ukrainian drones operating in the area, along with dense fog. While attempting to land in southern Russia, Russian authorities stated that Ukrainian combat drones were executing attacks on civilian infrastructure in the cities of Grozny and Vladikavkaz. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency, confirmed the claims, according to CNN.
In response to the unfolding situation, the airspace in the region was closed, forcing aircrafts to vacate the area. Yadrov further stated that the pilot of flight J2-8243 made two unsuccessful landing attempts in Grozny before choosing to proceed toward Aktau airport across the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. He added that the area was covered by a dense layer of fog during the incident.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has since accused Russian media of spreading false information regarding the plane crash. He suggested that Moscow had forced the damaged jet to cross the sea in an attempt to cover up evidence of its involvement. “Photos and videos from the cabin and after the crash are a smoking gun,” Sybiha said, calling for an impartial investigation to ensure accountability.
The Russian government, on the other hand, has urged against speculating on the causes of the crash, continuing its investigation into the matter.
- With inputs from agencies
