(19 February 2026 | Source: Instagram page of the Balkhash city akimat)
On the morning of 19 February 2026 at around 08:10, part of the emergency 5th entrance of a residential building at Karamende Bi Street, 10 collapsed in Balkhash. At the time of the incident, no one was inside, and there were no casualties. The entrance had previously been declared unsafe and was scheduled for demolition.
COURSE OF EVENTS
According to the Balkhash city akimat, in 2025 the 5th entrance was deemed unsafe following a technical analysis. Residents were relocated beforehand, the flats were declared unfit for habitation, and the owners were registered as citizens in need of housing.
The area around the building was cordoned off, access was restricted, and utilities — electricity, heating, and water supply — were disconnected.
Although the entrance was not in use, such incidents could potentially pose a danger to passers-by. No further details about the condition of the barriers at the time of the collapse were provided in the statement.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Work is currently underway to demolish the emergency entrance. Once the work is completed, a further inspection of the remaining entrances is planned, along with the preparation of design and estimate documentation to reinforce the structures.