In recent days, plummeting temperatures have given rise to intricate patterns of frost resembling beautiful flowers on the frozen expanse of the Bosten Lake in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
These unique "ice flowers" exhibit a range of shapes, from fluffy tufts akin to cotton to ethereal forms reminiscent of butterfly wings, delicately adorning the icy landscape.
This phenomenon has become a picturesque winter attraction in the region, drawing wide attention to its rare beauty.
Experts attribute the formation of these captivating "ice flowers" on the Bosten Lake to the rapid temperature drop. The overcooled saturated water vapor meeting the pristine smooth ice surface has led to the gradual growth of these exquisite frost formations, creating a magical winter scene that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
"Ice flowers" bloom on northwest China’s Bosten Lake
Azerbaijan Airlines held a press briefing at Baku Airport Wednesday on its passenger plane crash that took place in Aktau, Kazakhstan earlier that day.
The Embraer 190 aircraft with flight number J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau Airport, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) said.
Of all the 67 people on board, 38 were killed in the crash, the ministry updated on Wednesday.
"A medical team and necessary medical equipment have been sent to Kazakhstan by air. A hotline has been established for the family members of the passengers on board, and the public has been informed about it. Psychological support will be provided to the family members of all passengers, regardless of nationality, as well as to the injured passengers," said Farid Huseynov, Head of Press Service of Azerbaijan Airlines at the press briefing.
"Currently, the investigation process is ongoing in cooperation with the Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan. All versions are being explored in the criminal case. At this moment, we cannot provide any conclusions regarding the investigation. Expert examinations are being conducted, and an investigation group, led by the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is already at work," said Kenan Zeynalov, Senior Prosecutor of Press Service at the Prosecutor General's Office.
Zeynalov also announced that a criminal case has been initiated by the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code regarding the facts of the crash.
According to Azerbaijan Airlines, among all the 67 people on board, 62 were passengers and five were crew members.
Kazakh media reports showed that the passengers on board included 37 citizens from Azerbaijan, 16 from Russia, six from Kazakhstan, and three from Kyrgyzstan.
Azerbaijan Airlines hold press briefing on plane crash
