An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger flight travelling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, tragically crashed in Kazakhstan during an emergency landing attempt. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning near Aktau, Kazakhstan, with dozens feared dead.

The aircraft was carrying 67 people, including 62 passengers. According to the Kazakh Health Ministry, 29 survivors, including two children, have been identified and hospitalised with various injuries. However, the total number of fatalities has yet to be confirmed. Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations.

Russia’s state aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, stated that the aircraft attempted an emergency landing near Aktau after colliding with a flock of birds mid-flight. Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the plane crashed approximately 1.8 miles outside Aktau.

The Kazakh Emergency Situations Ministry reported that flames broke out at the crash site but were swiftly extinguished by rescue teams.

In response to the tragedy, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared Thursday a national day of mourning to honour the victims.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.