InfoHub Logo

A major incident occurred in Almaty over the weekend when a ruptured heating pipe unleashed boiling water onto private residences, causing significant damage and injuries. The scalding water inundated homes, forcing residents to deal with the aftermath of the unexpected flood.

Injuries and Damage

Four individuals sustained burns as a result of the incident, with three requiring hospitalization. The extent of property damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate that boiling water penetrated the interiors of several homes.

Recurring Issues

Residents expressed frustration, stating that this is not an isolated event. They claim that previous repairs in 2020, which only addressed about 20% of the street's infrastructure, were insufficient. The community believes a complete replacement of the aging pipes is necessary to prevent future occurrences.

"This is the second incident. It needs major repairs. This isn't cold water, it's 80-degree boiling water," one resident stated, highlighting the danger posed by the failing system.

Aging Infrastructure

Investigations revealed that the damaged pipe is approximately 55 years old. Officials from the local utility company acknowledged the wear and tear on the old network. Following the accident, repair crews worked to replace sections of the pipe.

Natalya Inkina, an official representative for "Almaty Heating Networks" LLP, confirmed the issue. "There was a defect in the 800-millimeter diameter pipe. After the defect was identified, enterprise employees took prompt action. Repairs were carried out that same day within five hours," she explained. "Our lawyers visited the house and filled out an act of damage. Valuation work is currently underway."

Residents Demand Action

The company has pledged to compensate residents for the damages, with the final amount to be determined after the valuation process. However, the community remains anxious about the reliability of the old pipes and fears further ruptures. They are now demanding a full replacement of the heating network to ensure their safety and prevent future disasters.