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Air Crash Heroes in Kazakhstan
In the early hours of 26 December 2007, a business jet landed to refuel at Almaty - Kazakhstan’s largest city. On board were three crew members and one passenger.
As the jet accelerated down the runway to continue its journey, something went terribly wrong…
G4S security officer Maksat Saifullin was closest to the incident. He saw sparks from the runway as a wing dug into the tarmac. Then, not more than 200 metres from where he was standing, he saw the jet break through a wall and explode.
Maksat describes what happened next:
“The plane was on fire and I heard a lady scream for help so.I rushed over to help her. Her clothes were burned and she was covered in blood. I dragged her away and covered her with my coat to protect her from the flames which were getting stronger.
"I also heard two men groaning so I pulled them to safety with the help of senior security officer, Ruslan Alzhanov. One of them had broken his legs. We thought that the plane would explode because of the strong smell of fuel but all we could think about was helping the injured people”.
Fortunately, they succeeded just before a second explosion occurred. Ruslan had also found the female crew member, a Turkish stewardess, and dispatched driver Bagdat Zhanysbaev to take her immediately to the first aid centre.
Security supervisor Samat Sadykov then took control of the crash scene, marshalling emergency services to the location and cordoning the area. Both Maksat and Ruslan needed medical treatment for inhalation of kerosene fumes and other minor injuries. Sadly, one of the pilots did not survive the crash.
All of our four heroes said that it was their duty, but Richard Moore, country director, and the rest of G4S Security Services (Kazakhstan) are proud of their colleagues’ bravery.
All have been put forward for State awards by the President of Kazakhstan and have also received commendations and rewards from G4S for their dedication and courage.
