Kazakhstan Announces Support Measures for Victims of Shchuchinsk Explosion

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan has extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the explosion and fire at a public catering establishment in Shchuchinsk.

The incident occurred in a single-story cafe attached to a residential building in Shchuchinsk, Burabay District. An explosion of a gas-air mixture triggered a subsequent fire. According to the latest information, the number of injured has risen to 28 people. Seven individuals lost their lives, ten are in intensive care, and the remaining victims are receiving necessary medical assistance.

An interdepartmental commission has been established by the Ministry of Emergency Situations to investigate the causes and circumstances of the tragedy. The commission includes representatives from relevant ministries, state bodies, and the akimat (administration) of Akmola Region.

In response to the tragedy, specific state support measures have been announced. Families of the deceased who were supporting dependents will be granted a state social benefit for loss of a breadwinner from the republican budget. Additionally, burial allowances will be provided from the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund.

Staff from the territorial department of the Committee for Regulation and Control in Social Protection will provide each affected family with necessary advisory support to facilitate prompt processing of all entitled social payments.