A passenger plane carrying over 100 people crashed on Christmas Day in Aktau, Kazakhstan, bursting into flames.
The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer E190AR (4K-AZ65) was end route to Grozny, Russia, when it hit a bird at 2,125 feet over the Caspian Sea, causing steering problems. It sent a distress signal before crashing.
Kazakhstan’s Health Minister reported 28 survivors, including two girls aged 11 and 16, but seven are in critical condition. Emergency crews, including 23 ambulances, rushed to the scene, and locals have been asked to donate blood for survivors.
The crash may have been worsened by heavy fog, and an onboard oxygen tank reportedly exploded. Of the 110 people onboard, about 60 were Russian, but other nationalities remain unknown. Despite the tragedy, Aktau Airport is operating normally.
This follows another recent plane crash in Scotland, where a small aircraft went down near Fife Airport, killing a man believed to be the pilot. Authorities are investigating both incidents.
