Aktau: Akim of the Mangistau region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, awarded state honors and letters of gratitude to individuals who participated in the rescue operation following the AZAL plane crash in Aktau.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, three fire service employees, including firefighters-rescuers and their commander, received the Order of Aibyn (Valor) of the 3rd degree. The Medal "For Courage" was awarded to pilots, doctors from the Center for Disaster Medicine, and rescuers. Additionally, a psychologist from the same center received the Medal "For Labor Distinction." Letters of gratitude from the President of Kazakhstan were given to fire department and medical institution employees who played crucial roles in addressing the aftermath of the disaster.

In total, 68 individuals were recognized, comprising 24 employees from the Department of Emergency Situations and 44 representatives from various fields. The awards were presented on behalf of the Minister of Emergency Situations by Murat Mukhanov, head of the department.

The AZAL Embraer 190 aircraft, operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, carried 67 people, including 62 passengers and five crew members. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries. The 'black box' of the aircraft has been recovered, and an investigation is ongoing in line with international aviation standards to determine the causes of the crash. Final conclusions will be drawn after comprehensive research and data analysis.