Self-immolation at Almaty airport: police question victim’s wife

Tengrinews.kz – Police have released new details about the self-immolation incident at Almaty International Airport, where a man set himself on fire inside Terminal T1.
According to Ruslan Kozbakov, head of the airport’s transport police, a dispatcher raised the alarm after a ticket agent pressed the emergency button, reporting that a man had gasoline and threatened to ignite himself. Security staff and police responded immediately with fire extinguishers, managing to put out the flames and save his life.
Investigators have requested CCTV footage to determine when the man entered the airport, whether he went through screening, and if he was carrying flammable liquid. Police have also questioned his wife, who lives in Atyrau, to clarify the reasons behind his actions.

“Preliminary findings suggest the man acted due to family and domestic issues with his common-law wife,” Kozbakov said.

He added that claims about the incident being linked to an airline ticket dispute are being checked.

“No tickets had been purchased,” he noted.

The case is currently being investigated under Article 105, Part 1 of the Criminal Code (“Incitement to suicide”), though other charges may be added as the inquiry continues.
The dramatic scene was caught on video and circulated on social media. Footage shows the man speaking on the phone, arguing with officers, and eventually setting himself on fire after letting a ticket agent leave the room.

The incident took place on the evening of August 25. Police and airport security quickly extinguished the flames, and paramedics rushed the man to a city hospital. As of the morning of August 26, Almaty’s health authorities reported that his condition remains critical.
“He came already doused in gasoline”: Self-immolation incident discussed at Almaty Airport