JUST-IN: Many feared death as passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan

A passenger plane carrying 67 people has crashed in Kazakhstan, local authorities confirmed.

According to the emergency ministry, preliminary reports indicate that 25 people survived the crash, with 22 of them taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, reportedly caught fire upon crashing near Aktau city. Officials confirmed that the fire has since been extinguished.

The transport ministry disclosed that the flight, identified as Azerbaijan Airlines J2-8243, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, carrying 62 passengers and five crew members. The aircraft was allegedly diverted due to heavy fog conditions.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.