The Embraer 190 aircraft was diverted to Aktau, Kazakhstan due to fog while en route to Chechnya. Eyewitness reports from a surviving passenger indicated that an explosion occurred just before landing. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities retrieving the flight data recorder to identify the cause. Azerbaijan's media has started linking the crash to potential Russian involvement, although the Azerbaijani government must tread carefully to avoid irritation with Moscow.

Kazakhstan's chief prosecutor confirmed an in-depth investigation is underway, yet premature conclusions are being discouraged. Various experts have already commented on the crash dynamics, suggesting potential involvement of a recent military presence in the region. The aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, known for its safety record, claimed the plane was properly serviced shortly before the flight. Meanwhile, discussions around accountability and the events leading up to the crash continue to unfold amid a sensitive geopolitical backdrop.