Eye witness at Ataturk airport: Gunfire was getting closer to me

Istanbul - One of the survivors exclusively spoke to Khaleej Times.

Tuesday's triple suicide bombing and gun attack at Istanbul's Ataturk airport has killed at least 42 people and injured 239, with 41 in intensive care, as stated by officials.
The three attackers, who are believed to be foreign nationals, arrived by a taxi and began firing at the terminal entrance on Tuesday evening. One of the attackers detonated his explosive outside of the terminal, while the other two blew themselves up later inside.
Binali Yildirim, Turkey's Prime Minister said that the method of the attackers reflects on the hallmarks of Daesh, although no one has yet claimed responsibility.
Among the dead were 13 foreigners, including Saudi, Iraqi, Chinese and Ukrainian citizens. But for the lucky passengers who survived Tuesday's horrific attack - a story and a heavy memory will be carried with them for the rest of their lives.
One of the survivors exclusively spoke to Khaleej Times. The eyewitness, who was at the airport during the attacks, described the gruesome scenes of his experience.

Amar Shakib, 35, New Zealander, said he was leaving Istanbul to Dubai for a business meeting.
"It was one normal day like any other day in Istanbul city. Beautiful weather, clear skies, busy roads and shops."
"I decided to leave the country (Turkey) in the morning, as I had a call for a business meeting in Dubai. I booked my flight on FlyDubai for 9.25 at night; however, the taxi took me to the wrong airport."
He noted that after making phone calls to other airlines, he finally purchased another ticket from the Turkish Airline counter to depart at 12.15am.
"I then checked-in with no hassle, with much help of all the friendly people around. I'm Gold Elite member of the star Alliance, so I headed straight towards the business lounge."

"While I was in the lounge, I heard shot guns, it was odd - so I assumed it was fireworks, but within five to six seconds people began to realise it was something much bigger than that," he added.
Shakib, along with four German generals, tried to take a brave step and headed towards where the gunshots were taking place.
"I heard crowds screaming and running towards the lounge, so I started going in the opposite direction along with four German generals in their army uniforms, hoping to be brave and see what is happening. We then heard a huge explosion that suddenly shook the airport."
"There was heavy scent of smoke from the explosives and gunfire. I turned around and saw everyone running away, even the securities."
In one of the two videos that Shakib shared with KT, feared passengers can be seen in the lounge, while loud gunshots are heard. Shakib was speaking in Arabic in the video, saying: "The smell of the gunfire is just unreal!"
He said that trying to keep calm is crucial, especially during terrifying or deadly situations.
"I tried to keep myself calm, because rushing creates more panic and fear, so I entered the business class restroom and heard the gunfire escalate."
As Shakib heard the sounds of gunfire get closer to where he was hiding, he remembered his family and his fear of not seeing them again.
"The gunfire sounded like it was getting closer to where I was, so I thought that it's time to start calling and messaging my family living in New Zealand."
"I then heard another explosion, which shook the walls and floors. However, I kept myself inside the bathroom."
"The gunshots can still be heard, so I remained inside until further notice, but I was worried one of these gunmen would enter the restroom and shoot me."
Shakib noted that after a while, sounds of gunfire began to decrease and the atmosphere sounded quieter.
"Things seemed to be calmer after a while. I heard girls crying in the men's restroom, so I went outside to check on them."
"People were somewhat calm but deeply in shock at this point. Smokes and pools of blood filled the place and when I was leaving the airport."
He said that security did not allow passengers to exit the airport until around 1am, and all his belongings were left behind on the night.
The second video that Shakib shared with KT, passengers can be seen evacuating from the airport after the attack, with dozens of police and ambulances surrounding the area.
Shakib now safely made it to Dubai, and although he survived this terror attack, it is the loss of other passengers' lives that will never be forgotten.
"The night was absolute chaos for everyone and a tragedy for all the lives that were lost."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com