10 dead in Mangystau: driver arrested after hospital discharge

Tengrinews.kz – The survivors of a tragic accident in Mangystau Region, which claimed 10 lives, have been discharged from the hospital, reports Lada.kz. Among them is the driver of the minibus that was transporting pilgrims to the sacred site Beket-Ata.

Three injured victims who were admitted to the Zhanaozen City Hospital have been discharged. Two of them were initially airlifted from Zhanaozen to the Mangystau Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital, and then transferred to Astana for further treatment.

The third survivor underwent surgery, and upon discharge was taken into custody by investigative detention officers. According to the regional police department, the man is the driver of the vehicle.

A criminal case has been opened against him under Article 345 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan – “Violation of traffic regulations resulting in death.”

An investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is working to determine all the circumstances of the tragedy, which is considered one of the most serious accidents in the region in recent times.

As a reminder, the accident happened on September 11 on the Beket-Ata – Shopan-Ata highway, about 90 kilometers from the village of Senek in the Karakiya district. The Toyota Hiace minibus, carrying numerous passengers, overturned into a ditch. According to preliminary reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle. Ten people lost their lives.