Azerbaijan Airlines plane damaged outside Kazakhstan, deputy prime minister reveals

The Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, sustained damage outside of Kazakhstan's airspace, according to Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbaev, who heads the government commission, Report informs via Kazakh media.

"At the moment, based on preliminary data, experts have come to the conclusion that the aircraft received damage outside the airspace of the Republic of Kazakhstan," Bozumbaev stated.

"In this regard, the investigative task force has appointed various types of examinations. Previously, forensic medical, histological examinations were assigned. And a molecular genetic examination was also assigned."

The Deputy Prime Minister further disclosed that comprehensive forensic traceological, ballistic, and explosive examinations have now been ordered.

"That is, to determine when the explosion occurred and what caused the explosion. The examination should give us clear answers," he emphasized. Bozumbaev assured that the public, both in Kazakhstan and worldwide, will be informed about the results of the examination and all circumstances during the investigation, adhering to international rules and norms, primarily the Chicago Convention and ICAO standards.

The Deputy Prime Minister also revealed that not all bodies of the crash victims have been identified yet, as genetic study is still ongoing.