CNN: At Least 28 Passengers Survive Fiery Plane Crash in Kazakhstan as Authorities Fear Dozens Others Dead

FREEMAN: “We start with breaking news out of central Asia, where we know at least two dozen people have survived a Christmas morning plane crash. This video on your screen was taken moments after the crash as rescuers raced to help those on board. Now, the Azerbaijan Airlines plane went down near the coastal city of Aktau, Kazakhstan. CNN‘s Nada Bashir joins me now from London. Nada, what more do we know about this crash?”
BASHIR: “Danny, the investigation is still ongoing into the details of what may have caused this crash. According to authorities, preliminary information at this stage suggests that the pilot may have been forced to attempt an emergency landing as a result of a bird strike. But again, we are still waiting to get more details around this crash and what may have caused it. We have seen video emerging from eyewitnesses and those at the scene, videos just moments before the crash, in fact, showing the plane encircling the airfield quite erratically before attempting that emergency landing, but indeed crashing, and then moments after, showing the plane bursting into flames. And there is distressing footage showing members — passengers on board the plane emerging bloodied from the wreckage. And remarkably, as you mentioned, there have been survivors following this crash. At least 28 people, according to authorities, including two children, are said to have survived. They have been taken to hospital now for medical attention. There were, of course, emergency teams quickly at the scene attempting to extinguish the fire and provide support for those survivors emerging from the wreckage. But, of course, dozens are also feared dead and we are still waiting to hear more from authorities with regards to the status of the remaining passengers on board the plane. There were, of course, 67 believed to be on board the plane in total. So we’re still waiting to hear more details around that. And, of course, this will be a distressing time for family members, relatives and loved ones of those who were on board that plane. Still waiting to hear more information and we will, of course, be tracking that as we do get more details. Danny?”
FREEMAN: “Again, the video just so scary, and incredible that anyone was able to walk away from that alive. Nada Bashir, thank you very much for that report.”