Survivors from the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day are bravely sharing their stories. For the first time, those who made it out alive are recounting their harrowing experiences following the disaster.
In a recent interview, two flight attendants, Zulfugar Asadov and Aydan Rahimli, along with passenger Subhonkul Rakhimov, spoke about the events that unfolded on December 25th, when Flight 8243, headed from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, went down with 67 people on board. Thankfully, 29 individuals survived the crash.
“I am so grateful to be alive,” Asadov said from his hospital bed in Baku. This heartfelt statement reflects the relief many feel after such a life-altering incident.
Rakhimov described his terrifying experience, recalling a loud noise that preceded the chaos. “I thought I was going to die,” he shared, noting the damage to the plane and the panic that ensued. He vividly remembered being tossed around before finally realizing they had landed. “I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry,” he said, emphasizing the confusion of emotions after surviving such a tragedy.
When Rahimli regained consciousness, she found herself surrounded by rescue workers and learned she was in Aktau, far from the crash site. Her memory of events was hazy, but the relief of being found safe was evident.
Asadov’s daughter, Konul, shared her emotional reaction upon learning her father had survived. “I was shocked when I got the call. I had seen videos of the crash online and couldn’t believe he was okay,” she said. Typically, she checks in with her dad before his flights, but clear weather on that day led her to skip that routine.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang during the flight, which added to the confusion as the plane encountered severe issues. There are concerns that external factors may have played a role in the crash, as Azerbaijan Airlines indicated preliminary findings suggested some type of interference.
In response to the incident, authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have initiated an investigation. Additionally, the airline has temporarily suspended flights to certain Russian cities while safety protocols are being reviewed.
This unfortunate event has left a lasting impact on all involved, and the bravery of the survivors shines through in their poignant accounts.
