Compensation Paid, Investigation Ongoing After Deadly Shchuchinsk Cafe Explosion

More than a month and a half has passed since the devastating explosion and fire at the "Plov Center" cafe in Shchuchinsk, which claimed the lives of 11 people. The victims' families and those injured have now received compensation payments totaling over 84 million tenge.

The tragedy occurred on the evening of February 26, 2026. The initial death toll of seven later rose to eleven as several individuals succumbed to their severe injuries in hospital. In total, 17 people were injured, most suffering burns of varying severity.

According to the local administration, compensation has been disbursed from three sources: the district akimat contributed over 30 million tenge, the cafe's owner provided nearly 44 million tenge, and local businesses donated over 10 million tenge. The total sum paid out is 84,113,000 tenge.

The families of the deceased each received an initial payment of two million tenge from both the akimat and the cafe owner. Funeral expenses, including the transportation of one victim's body, were also fully covered. Compensation for the injured was determined based on the severity of their trauma and individual needs.

Regarding medical care, six victims continue to receive treatment—three in Astana and three in Kokshetau. Health officials have confirmed that no patients are currently in intensive care.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 292 of the Criminal Code for violating fire safety requirements resulting in death through negligence. The cafe's tenant, deemed responsible for fire safety compliance at the establishment, has been detained as a suspect and is currently in custody pending investigation.

The regional prosecutor's office stated that a pre-trial investigation is ongoing to establish all circumstances leading to the explosion. They noted that legal assessments will be made regarding other potentially liable parties upon completion of the probe.

In response to public questions about oversight, prosecutors explained that the cafe was on a list of facilities monitored by the local emergency department but was categorized as having a low degree of risk. Consequently, such premises are not subject to routine preventive inspections with on-site visits unless specific grounds for an unscheduled check arise under Kazakhstan's Entrepreneurial Code.

The establishment was converted into a cafe and put into operation by its owner in 2023 in accordance with relevant construction laws. The single-story building is located near a five-story residential apartment block.