Passenger plane crashes near Aktau, Kazakhstan, with 72 on board

The aircraft, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny in Russia's Chechnya region. The flight was rerouted to Aktau due to heavy fog conditions in Grozny, the agencies reported.

Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the plane made several circles over Aktau Airport before the crash occurred. Details regarding the cause of the crash or the status of passengers and crew remain unclear at this time.

Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the crash site. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

Further updates on the situation are expected as rescue and recovery efforts continue. (ILKHA)