A Christmas Day tragedy in Kazakhstan saw the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, killing 42 people and leaving 28 survivors. The plane, en route from Baku to Grozny, crash ed near Aktau after a suspected bird strike led to an oxygen tank explosion.

The aircraft erupted into flames, and dramatic footage showed survivors emerging from the wreckage.

Seven survivors remain in critical condition, including two children. Unconfirmed reports suggest both pilots perished, with a female flight attendant being the sole crew survivor.The cr ash has prompted international condolences, with leaders like Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Russia’s Vladimir Putin offering their sympathy. Kazakhstan authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, with local residents offering support through blood donations for the injured.The investigation involves both Kazakh and Azerbaijani officials, focusing on potential technical failures to prevent future tragedies.