Survivors of the horrific crash to be airlifted to Aktobe

Tengrinews.kz — The condition of the survivors of the deadly accident on the Samara–Shymkent highway remains critical. Three of the injured will be transported by helicopter from Khromtau to Aktobe today, according to the regional health department of Aktobe Region.
With the approval of the Ministry of Health and the National Center for Emergency Medicine, the patients — including a 16-year-old schoolboy — will be transferred by air ambulance to hospitals in Aktobe.

“A daily medical council is held with specialists from Astana. Telemedicine consultations are ongoing with the National Coordination Center for Emergency Medicine. As of this morning, five patients remain in intensive care. One patient has been transferred to the trauma ward,” said regional health department head Yerlan Sultangereyev.

On October 23, a passenger GAZelle minibus collided with a DAF truck on the Samara–Shymkent highway. Twelve people died at the scene, including two children aged 9 and 3. Only six passengers survived, all of whom were taken to Khromtau District Hospital. Five are currently in critical condition in intensive care.
Earlier, a video from the crash site circulated online, showing debris, seats, clothing, and personal items scattered across the road. The truck was also severely damaged — its cabin was completely crushed, and only part of the trailer remained intact.

Photo from the scene @POLICE_of_KZ

According to local authorities, two children are among the victims.
Aiteke Bi District Akim Dauletiyar Tuguzybayev said the victims included members of two families.

“A mother and her 18-year-old son, a student, as well as a man with his three-year-old son, died. They were on their way to the regional center. The GAZelle was new — it had been operating for only four months. They left their village around 7 a.m., and the crash occurred around 8:40 a.m.,” Tuguzybayev said.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has ordered the creation of a government commission to investigate the causes of the tragedy, led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev.
Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov has taken the investigation under personal control.

“A special investigative team has been dispatched from the central office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by charter flight. The minister personally oversees the investigation. Assistance will also be provided to the victims’ families, including help with the transport and burial of the deceased,” said ministry spokesperson Shyngys Alekeshev.

Local authorities confirmed that the GAZelle was an officially registered passenger vehicle operating between Zhurgenov settlement and the regional center.
On October 24, due to the tragedy, the Aktobe regional administration canceled the planned gala concert and fireworks scheduled for October 25, Republic Day.