Following the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), a commission was immediately established in accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev. Members of the commission were dispatched to Aktau city to familiarize themselves with the details of the incident and to investigate the condition of the victims, conducted a site visit, met with the affected citizens of Azerbaijan and other countries, and gathered information, Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport, said during a press conference, APA reports.
The minister stated: "The injured passengers and surviving flight attendants reported hearing an explosion while over Grozny. In fact, one of the flight attendants sustained an injury to their arm. From the footage circulated on social media and in the press, it is evident that a woman was injured in both her arm and leg. Additionally, marks of holes on the wing of the aircraft are visible. Inside the aircraft, there is damage to the fuselage and various cutting tools. Russian citizens who were also injured mentioned hearing three explosion sounds while over Grozny. According to them, the sounds came from the outside, and shortly after, something hit the plane."
According to Nabiyev, the initial reports in the media suggested that birds had struck the aircraft. However, experts have initially concluded that the aircraft wreckage on the ground and witness testimonies point to external interference. The exact type of weapon used for the interference will be determined through the investigation. Furthermore, the plane's flight path indicates it was heading towards Aktau, passing over Makhachkala. Whether permission for landing was granted will be determined based on the investigation's findings. Additionally, the purpose of the pilot's emergency landing will be clarified during the investigation. The matter of the GPS being turned off will also be clarified once sufficient evidence is gathered."
The minister also emphasized: "Both local and international experts agree that the aircraft's crew acted heroically by making the most optimal landing, resulting in the survival of the vast majority of those on board. Azerbaijan has used its right to involve international consultants in the process. We already have contacts with them."
R. Nabiyev added that two specialists from the Embraer company are on site and have been included in the investigation team. Additionally, Brazilian experts will arrive at the site tomorrow.
Referring to statements from Kazakh officials, Nabiyev pointed out that the claim of an oxygen cylinder explosion was suggested by the dispatcher in Rostov. "We believe that the first step is to verify the accuracy of this information. This is information provided by an interested party. Regarding the facts that refute this, I also noted that the sounds of the explosion came from outside," he said.
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