
Joint Investigation Launched by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia into AZAL Plane Crash

Joint investigations are currently underway into the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane near Aktau, with authorities from Kazakhstan and Russia collaborating on the investigation. Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev provided this information to the media, as reported by Trend on Jan. 20.
Aliyev mentioned that the investigation into the AZAL plane crash near Aktau is being conducted in coordination with Kazakhstan and Russia’s relevant structures, including prosecutor’s offices and law enforcement agencies.
“Under the orders and guidance of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, all relevant state structures have been mobilized to investigate the AZAL plane crash near Aktau, with each carrying out their assigned responsibilities. Criminal cases have been initiated in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan in connection to the aviation accident,” Aliyev stated.
He further explained that authorities from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia have collected evidence, which will be jointly analyzed to determine the responsible parties. Currently, the Russian Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office are taking necessary investigative actions in this direction.
The incident occurred on Dec. 25 when an Embraer 190 passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines, traveling from Baku to Grozny, crashed nearly three kilometers from the Aktau airport. Out of the 67 individuals on board, which included 62 passengers and five crew members, 38 lost their lives and 29 sustained injuries.
The collaboration between the three countries involved in the investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances leading to the tragic plane crash and hold accountable those responsible.