An Azerbaijan Airlines plane carrying 67 passengers has tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, as reported by multiple media outlets. The aircraft, identified as an Embraer 190, was operating flight J2-8243 on the Baku-Grozny route when it made an emergency landing approximately 3 kilometers from Aktau.Fiery explosion on impactThe crash occurred under dramatic circumstances, with the plane engulfed in flames upon landing. Eyewitness footage showed the aircraft exploding upon impact, creating a blaze that was later extinguished by emergency fire services. However, there has been no immediate confirmation regarding the fate of those onboard.Horrific - A passenger plane #crashed in #Kazakhstan. The Azerbaijan Airlines plane was en route from Baku to Grozny in Russia&#39s Chechnya but was rerouted due to fog in Grozny pic.twitter.com/hK3LbxwXy3— Utkarsh Singh (@utkarshs88) December 25, 2024As of now, the cause of the crash remains unknown. Kazakhstan&#39s Emergencies Ministry has initiated an investigation to determine the factors that led to the accident. Russian news agencies TASS and Interfax confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted, but official findings are yet to be released.Azerbaijan Airlines statementThe official (unverified) social media handle of Azerbaijan Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the Embraer 190 encountered difficulties leading to an emergency landing. The airline assured the public that further details would be provided as they become available.Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and Grozny, located in the Russian region of Chechnya, are key locations on the flight&#39s route. The crash has raised concerns about aviation safety in the region, prompting scrutiny from both Kazakh and international authorities.Global reactions awaitsThe crash has drawn attention from around the world, with condolences and calls for a thorough investigation. Updates on passenger safety and the crash&#39s root causes are eagerly awaited.