Kazakh officials reported that the passengers included citizens from four countries: 42 from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, 6 from Kazakhstan, and 3 from Kyrgyzstan.
Out of those on board, 32 people survived, including two children, although many are critically injured and 38 have been confirmed dead.
Investigations are underway in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia to determine the cause of the crash.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cautioned against forming conclusions too soon, as the investigation is still in its initial phase.
He stated: “There are videos of the plane crash available in the media and on social networks, and everyone can watch them. However, the reasons for the crash are not yet known to us.
“There are various theories, but I believe it is premature to discuss them.”
Reports suggest that the plane had to alter its route before the accident occurred.
Russia’s aviation authority indicated that a bird strike led to an emergency situation on the aircraft.
Additionally, the plane was forced to divert from its intended path due to heavy fog and attempted an emergency landing.
President Aliyev mentioned: “According to the information provided to me, the AZAL airline plane, flying on the Baku-Grozny route, changed its course due to worsening weather conditions and began heading toward Aktau airport, where the crash occurred during landing.”
Aliyev confirmed that a criminal investigation has commenced, and the public will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Yulia Shapovalova from Al Jazeera reported from Moscow that initial findings suggest the aircraft requested to land at an alternate airport due to foggy conditions.
Earlier in the day, Makhachkala airport in Russia was closed because of drone activity.
Azerbaijan Airlines released a statement promising to keep the public informed and has changed its social media banners to black in mourning. Additionally, it announced the suspension of flights between Baku and Grozny, as well as Baku and Makhachkala in Russia’s North Caucasus, pending the outcome of the crash investigation.