(27 February 2026 | Source: Instagram page of the Akimat of Akmola Region)
In the city of Shchuchinsk, Akmola Region, 28 people were injured, including 7 fatalities, following a gas cylinder explosion in a café. An investigation has been launched into the incident. Local authorities and relevant agencies have announced measures to support the injured and the families of the deceased.
CRIMINAL CASE INITIATED
According to the Department for Emergency Situations of Akmola Region, the investigation is being conducted under Part 3 of Article 292 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“Violation of Fire Safety Requirements”).
The penalty under this article provides for imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years. Other circumstances of the incident are not specified in the materials provided.
INTER-AGENCY COMMISSION ESTABLISHED
By order of the Minister for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Lieutenant-General Chingis Arinov, an inter-agency commission has been established.
Its members include representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MIA), the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministries of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Energy, Industry and Construction, Justice, Trade and Integration, as well as the Akimat of Akmola Region.
NUMBER OF FATALITIES AND INJURIES
According to the Akim of Burabay District, Aray Sadykov, 28 people were injured as a result of the explosion, and 7 people died, including one minor.
In his statement, the situation has been brought under immediate control, an operational headquarters has been set up, and the injured are receiving necessary assistance.
Families of the deceased will receive a one-time financial aid payment of 2 million tenge, and the injured will receive 1 million tenge each. The Akimat has taken responsibility for organising the funerals and assisting relatives arriving to take part in the mourning ceremonies.
WHAT THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH REPORTED
The Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that medical services were mobilised from the first minutes after the incident.
According to the agency, 13 of the injured were urgently transported to hospitals, and 6 people were sent for outpatient treatment after examination.
Hospitalised patients are receiving the necessary medical care. Those in serious and critical condition are under round-the-clock observation in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care units.
Evacuation of the most seriously ill patients to the regional centre has been organised, involving resuscitation teams and specialist doctors. The Ministry of Health is keeping the situation under special control.
STATEMENT FROM THE CAFÉ MANAGEMENT
The management of the café “Tsentr Plova”, where the explosion occurred, has stated its readiness to provide assistance to the families of the deceased and the injured.
In a published address, representatives of the establishment announced their intention to help organise the funerals and provide support to the injured.
The café representatives also emphasised that they are already visiting the families affected by the tragedy and expressed their condolences to the relatives of the deceased.