Overview

• The self-immolation occurred on August 25 around 10 p.m. in Terminal 1 and was captured on widely shared video.
• Airport staff used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames, and the man was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
• Kazakhstan police say a criminal case has been opened and an investigation into the circumstances and motive is underway.
• Travel‑agency staff report the man argued about a missed flight or ticket purchase, called his wife, then doused himself in gasoline and ignited after letting an employee leave.
• Authorities have not confirmed how the fuel entered the airport, with local reports suggesting a nearby gas station as a source and a police officer noting some say he may have been drunk.