Baku: The preliminary investigation into the crash of an Embraer 190 passenger plane operated by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC on the Baku-Grozny route has reinforced an earlier theory, according to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. During a meeting with the families of the deceased crew members and the surviving flight attendants, President Aliyev emphasized the ongoing efforts of a State Commission established in response to the tragedy.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev further informed that the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan has initiated a criminal case following his directives. He highlighted that the preliminary findings align with the theory he had previously mentioned. President Aliyev referred to earlier updates received on December 29 and reiterated his commitment to transparency by sharing his views and the investigation's information with the public during an interview with Azerbaijan State Television after the farewell ceremony. He assured the Azerbaijani people of regular updates on the investigation's progress.