Nighttime bus crash in Kazakhstan leaves four killed, 42 hurt

A bus carrying 50 passengers was involved in a serious accident in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, resulting in multiple casualties, according to Kazakh media citing the Ministry of Transport.

The Ministry reported on its official website that the crash occurred on January 16, 2026, at approximately 01:03 on the 383rd kilometre of the KZ-11 highway, which runs along the Dossor – Kulsary – Beineu – Sayotes – Shetpe – Zhetybai – Aktau route. The incident involved a Yutong passenger bus.

According to the Ministry, the vehicle underwent a technical inspection on 19 December 2025 and is registered to Caspian Trans Corporation LLP.

Preliminary findings indicate that the driver, who was travelling from Aktau toward the village of Beineu, lost control of the bus, leading to its overturning.

Four passengers died at the scene. Three others sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to medical facilities. In total, 50 people were on board.

Officials noted that the highway segment where the accident occurred is classified as a Category II technical road. Its asphalt-concrete surface is nine meters wide and has no detected defects. Road signs are installed in full compliance with the approved layout. The crash happened during the hours of darkness.

At the time of the incident, the bus was operated by a driver born in 1985. A driver change had taken place approximately 200 kilometres before the crash site.

The Mangystau Regional Police Department has launched investigative procedures to determine all circumstances of the accident.

Kazakh media also reported, citing regional police, that 42 passengers suffered injuries. Seventeen were hospitalised, while the rest received outpatient care.

A criminal case has been opened. The driver has been placed in a temporary detention facility.

By Tamilla Hasanova