Survivor recalls mid-air explosion before Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan

ANKARA/MOSCOW

A survivor of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan, which claimed 38 lives, described waking to a mid-air explosion that damaged the cabin before the aircraft briefly stabilized.

Subkhonkul Rakhimov, 48, recounted the harrowing moments in an interview with Anadolu, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the explosion and the challenges during the crash and evacuation.

Rakhimov, originally from Tajikistan, has lived in Yekaterinburg, Russia, for 24 years with his family. An entrepreneur by profession, he was on the ill-fated flight when he awoke to a loud bang mid-air.

He could not recognize what type of explosion it was and acknowledged that such determinations should be made by experts.

He struggled to pinpoint the plane’s exact location at the time, noting he saw no settlements or landmarks from his window. Following the bang, oxygen masks dropped, and parts of the cabin appeared damaged, but the plane briefly stabilized and gained altitude.

Rakhimov and others hoped for an emergency landing.

As the aircraft later began to behave erratically over the sea, Rakhimov said he turned to his faith, reciting prayers.

“By the will of the Almighty, I survived unharmed. I urge all Muslims to have faith; in such moments, it brings peace,” he said.

Crash and evacuation

Rakhimov said he was thrown back in his seat during the crash and lost consciousness.

After recovering from the initial shock of the crash, he attempted to reach the exit near the site where the plane had broken in half. However, the area was crowded, making it impossible to pass.

He then moved to the rear of the aircraft, searching for another way out, where he discovered that the steward and stewardess were injured -- particularly the male crew member. Together with other survivors, he unbelted them and provided first aid.

Realizing there was no viable exit at the tail, Rakhimov returned to the rupture site. There, he encountered two women trapped in their seats who were calling for help.

“I tried to assist one of them, but I couldn’t free her, I only managed to lift her slightly. The other woman was also stuck, and despite my efforts to push the chairs apart, I couldn’t succeed,” he said.

Moments later, he heard the sound of sirens as ambulances and rescuers arrived to begin the evacuation.

Initially unnoticed by the rescuers, Rakhimov walked around, filming and speaking. “Some people eventually approached me and asked, ‘Did you get off the plane too?’ I said yes,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for promptly organizing the evacuation and providing medical assistance to the injured. He also commended the senior flight attendant, highlighting her bravery and support for the passengers throughout the ordeal.

Offering words of comfort, Rakhimov said: “Muslims should not fear death. When faced with such moments, accept it in your heart. Once you do, an angel will guide you on what to do next.”