A woman and a teenager are bedridden after a ride on an inflatable couch at the Kapchagai reservoir, reports infohub.kz.
The incident occurred in late July at the Kapshagai reservoir. One of the victims is 36-year-old Nazira Ospanbek. She suffered multiple rib fractures, a broken arm, pelvic contusion, internal organ injuries, and a concussion. All as a result of the water ride.
"The boatman stopped the boat and the couch. So we were floating on the water. 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 a trajectory that made the couch turn left. Then a jet ski crashed into us," the victim recounted.
Nazira has already undergone three surgeries but remains bedridden. "Physical pain is also very intense because you lie there and can't even meet your basic needs. It's very hard. The hardest part is that those responsible will not face any consequences. They cannot share your physical pain," Ospanbek added.
At the time, two families decided to ride the inflatable couch. Along with Nazira, a 14-year-old girl was seriously injured. She suffered a broken leg and pelvis, and a concussion. After the incident, she fell into a coma and only woke up on the sixth day. The teenager had surgery and now cannot walk or sit. The ninth-grader is studying remotely.
"She had surgery on her leg and a cast was put on. One bone is 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," said the teenager's mother, Zhanar Ryskulova.
The victims filed a complaint with the police. A criminal case has been opened. The jet ski driver is a suspect and is at large. "A criminal case has been initiated on the grounds of violation of safety rules for the movement or operation of maritime or river transport," the press service of the Almaty region police department clarified.
The victims want the owner of the jet ski, who rented out the watercraft, and the man who operated the boat to also be held accountable.