Rinat Asanov is one of three Kyrgyzstanis, who survived the airplane crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines in Aktau.
The tragedy occurred on the morning of December 25, 2024. The plane was carrying 62 passengers and 5 crew members, including 38 died and 29 survived.
In the interview with local media, Rinat told about the events happened on board, his concerns and perspectives for future.
Until that tragic flight, Rinat said all previous ones were successful. "I’ve never faced dangerous situations. This flight was the most dangerous and unforgettable for me," he said.
- Many say that a person may feel anxiety prior to a disaster. Did you feel anything like that?
- It was a usual day with good mood. But, when the plane landed, something changed. My thoughts were confused, my mood was very bad. It was a strange and inexplicable feeling.
- What happened on board? When you understood that the situation was crucial?
- I arrived from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan recently then and I was very tired, therefore, I fell asleep almost Immediately. But, suddenly, a loud sound was heard similar to explosion. I woke up in panic and everyone was crying. Some seconds ago, one more explosion occurred. I was confused and didn't understand what was happening. The flight attendants tried to calm down us saying: "Don't panic, everything will be fine, we will land safely." But after a while, one of them seriously announced: "We are making an emergency landing. Hold on tight, the impact will be strong. After landing, exit the plane quickly.
It’s difficult to imagine how one should feel at such moments. First I believed that we could land with no consequences. It was very scary, I felt my vision darken. Later I realized I had lost consciousness. I was sitting in the middle of the cabin, near the wing. As I was later told, passengers in this area and in the tail section of the plane were less injured. However, many in the front part of the plane were severely affected."
- What do you feel now?
- I was discharged from the hospital just yesterday. I have a serious head injury, fractures, and bruises. After the accident, I spent three days in a coma in a hospital in Kazakhstan. When I regained consciousness, my brother and doctors from Bishkek came for me. I was transferred to Kyrgyzstan, where I spent three more days in intensive care. Now, I am gradually recovering, but rehabilitation is still ahead.
In the coming days, we plan to conduct a "tuloo" (sacrifice ritual). After that, I want to meet with friends. This tragedy has changed my life. I feel that God has given me another chance, and I want to use it wisely.
- Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do?
- I was born in Tokmok, and my roots are from Issyk-Kul. My parents passed away in 2018. I am currently studying at the International University of Kyrgyzstan (IUK) in the IT field. For the last two years, I worked in Russia. There, I trained as a surveyor - we examine sites where construction is planned. I started as a regular worker, but my skills were noticed by the management, and I was first promoted to foreman, then trained for a new profession.
This job is very responsible, and I want to develop in this direction. If everything goes well, I will continue my studies to deepen my knowledge and become a qualified specialist.
I am grateful for the support. God gave me the opportunity to start a new life, and I will do everything to live it with dignity.
