On the Kapchagai Reservoir, a jet ski collided with an inflatable raft carrying vacationers. As a result, a 36-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl suffered multiple fractures and have been unable to walk for over a month, reports infohub.kz.
The incident occurred in late July. Two families decided to ride on an inflatable raft that was attached to a boat with a rope. According to the injured woman, Nazira Ospanbek, at some point the boat stopped in the water, and the vacationers asked the driver to take them back to shore.
"The boatman stopped the boat and the raft. So we were just floating. We started shouting to the boatman: 'Take us to shore,' but he didn't hear us. My husband even whistled and said: 'That's enough. Take us to shore.' At that moment, the boatman started moving in such a way that the raft began to turn left. Then a jet ski slammed into us," Nazira Ospanbek recounted.
As a result of the collision, the woman suffered multiple fractures of ribs and an arm, a pelvic contusion, internal organ injuries, and a concussion. She has already undergone three surgeries but still cannot walk or sit on her own.
"The physical pain is also very intense because you lie there and can't even take care of your basic needs. It's very hard. The hardest part is that those responsible won't face any consequences. They can't share your physical pain," the victim shared.
Along with her, 14-year-old Asylzhan Ryskulova sustained serious injuries. The girl was diagnosed with fractures of the leg and pelvis, as well as a concussion. After the incident, the teenager fell into a coma and only regained consciousness on the sixth day.
Asylzhan underwent surgery and is also currently unable to walk or sit. The ninth-grader continues her studies remotely.
"She had surgery on her leg and a cast was put on. One bone was broken in three places, so they put in a plate. She's constantly on painkillers. Her emotional state leaves much to be desired. It's painful to see all this. As a mother, it's hard," said the girl's mother, Zhanar Ryskulova.
The victims have filed a complaint with the police. The Almaty Regional Police Department reported that a criminal case has been opened regarding the incident.
"A criminal case has been initiated on the grounds of violating safety regulations for the movement or operation of maritime or river transport," the press service of the Almaty Regional Police Department stated.
The jet ski driver is a suspect in the case and remains at large. The victims also want to hold accountable the owner of the jet ski, who rented out the watercraft, and the man who was driving the boat.