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A devastating explosion and subsequent fire at the "Ortalyk Plov" cafe in Shchuchinsk has claimed a 12th life. A patient who was in critical condition and receiving treatment at a hospital in Astana has passed away, according to the Ministry of Health's press service.

The victim had suffered severe injuries to their upper respiratory tract during the incident and had been unconscious. This latest death tragically increases the total number of fatalities from the disaster.

Escalating Death Toll

The incident, which occurred on February 26, 2026, initially resulted in 7 deaths. This number later rose to 9, and by mid-March, it had reached 11. The confirmation of the 12th victim underscores the severity of the tragedy.

Criminal Investigation Underway

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 292, Part 3 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of fire safety regulations leading to the death of two or more people. This offense carries a potential sentence of 5 to 10 years of imprisonment.

The Akmola Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed that pre-trial investigations are ongoing. The owner of the cafe has been detained and is cooperating with the investigation.

Safety Concerns Emerge

The incident has sparked public concern regarding fire safety standards in cafes and the oversight of gas equipment operations. The Prosecutor's Office stated that the cafe was under the supervision of the Department of Emergency Situations. However, due to its classification as a low-risk category, it was not subject to routine preventive inspections, only unscheduled ones.

This information was reported by Infohub.kz.