CIS leaders expressed condolences over Azerbaijani plane crash in Kazakhstan
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences on behalf of the CIS leaders at an informal meeting of the CIS heads of state near St. Petersburg over the crash of an Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan, BelTA reports
“Before we start work, unfortunately, I have to say a few words about the tragedy that occurred in Aktau. The plane crashed, there are dead and many wounded. As we said, I would like to express condolences on your behalf to the families of the victims and all those injured. Let’s hope for their recovery,” Vladimir Putin said.
According to the Russian leader, in co-ordination with the President of Kazakhstan, a Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft with medical personnel and the necessary additional equipment on board was sent to Aktau.
“I also spoke with Ilham Aliyev this morning, who was almost there but had to turn around and return to Baku,” the Russian President added. “I am sure a thorough investigation will be carried out. We will co-ordinate the work of our special and aviation services on all issues related to this tragedy.”
On the morning of December 25th, a passenger plane of the Azerbaijani Airline AZAL, flying from Baku to Grozny, crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau. According to preliminary information, due to fog the commander decided to change the course and began to leave for an alternate aerodrome, however, during landing an oxygen cylinder exploded in the aircraft and a fire broke out. More than 30 people survived the crash, while more than 60 passengers and 5 crew members were on board.
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed to set up a commission to investigate the plane crash. Against the background of the plane crash, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev decided to return to Baku from a CIS informal summit.
