Miraculous Survival: Azerbaijan Airlines crash passenger Subkhon Rakhimov films final message to wife before impact, lives to tell the tale; watch video
The survival of Rakhimov and his subsequent video have sparked a wave of reactions across social media and news platforms. Posts on X have described it as a "miracle," with many expressing relief and amazement at his survival.


The Crash
The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, an Embraer 190 en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. This tragic event resulted in 38 fatalities out of the 67 passengers and crew on board. The plane, which had made several failed landing attempts, was suspected to have been inadvertently hit by a Russian air defense system, mistaking it for a Ukrainian drone amidst the ongoing conflicts in the region.Also Read: Shocking video from Azerbaijan Airlines crash comes up! Survivor manages to capture footage of cabin
As the plane began to lose altitude, Rakhimov captured a video message for his wife, documenting the panic inside the cabin with oxygen masks dropping and passengers praying. This video was meant as a final goodbye, but fate had other plans. He documented oxygen masks hanging from the ceiling and passengers crying and praying as damage became visible inside the cabin minutes before impact.
The final moments of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane before its crash in Kazakhstan were captured by a passenger onboard.
— Trend Tracker (@itswpceo) December 25, 2024
Aftermath also included in the footage.pic.twitter.com/JmAU8cn1Av
Miraculous Survival and New Footage
Rakhimov survived with minor injuries, mainly facial bruises, and was found walking among the wreckage, thanking God for his survival and commending the flight attendant for their efforts in ensuring passenger safety. The new video he shared shows the devastating damage to the aircraft, including what appears to be shrapnel damage to the wings and fuselage, lending credence to the theory of an external attack rather than a mechanical failure.Also Read: Another Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 like case: Did Russia shoot down the Azerbaijan Airlines plane, speculation rife; here's what reports are saying
In the footage, Rakhimov navigates through the debris, filming rescuers attempting to salvage survivors from the wreckage. His video has not only gone viral but has also become crucial visual evidence in the ongoing investigation into the crash's cause.
NEW: The man who filmed a video for his wife as the Azerbaijan Airlines fell from the sky, miraculously survived, filmed another video showing apparent shrapnel damage.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 26, 2024
It is now suspected that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian air defenses.
Subkhon Rakhimov, the man… pic.twitter.com/Gln20M8FjL
Aftermath and Support
The crash has sent shockwaves across both Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijan observed a nationwide day of mourning for the victims. At least 22 of the 29 survivors are being treated in hospitals, with seven in serious condition. Rescue efforts were focused on the rear section of the aircraft, where several survivors were found.The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
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