❗️❗️A passenger plane en route from Baku to Grozny has crashed near Aktau

❗️❗️A passenger plane en route from Baku to Grozny has crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan.

The aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was observed circling several times over Aktau Airport prior to the crash, according to Flightradar data.

At least 12 survivors have been confirmed so far. The plane was carrying 67 passengers and 5 crew members.

Preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been caused by a bird strike, though this has not been officially verified.

The flight was initially unable to land in Grozny due to heavy fog. It diverted to Makhachkala before attempting to land in Aktau.