Compensation Paid, Investigation Ongoing After Deadly Shchuchinsk Cafe Explosion

More than a month and a half has passed since the tragic explosion and fire at the "Plov Center" cafe in Shchuchinsk, which claimed the lives of 11 people. Authorities have now reported that compensation totaling over 84 million tenge has been paid to the victims' families and those injured in the incident.

The disaster occurred on the evening of February 26, 2026. The initial death toll of seven later rose to eleven by mid-March as several critically injured individuals succumbed to their wounds. In total, 17 people were injured, most suffering burns of varying severity.

According to the akimat (local administration) of the Burabay district, all promised financial aid has been disbursed. The payments came from three sources: the local 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 distributed is 84,113,000 tenge.

The families of each deceased person received an immediate payment of two million tenge from both the district akimat and the cafe owner. Furthermore, all funeral expenses were covered, including the transportation costs for one of the victims. Compensation for the injured was calculated based on the severity of their injuries and individual needs.

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

A criminal investigation into the tragedy is ongoing. A case was initiated under Article 292 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code for violating fire safety requirements resulting in death through negligence. The sanction under this article carries a prison term of five to ten years.

The tenant of the "Plov Center Loft" cafe has been named as a suspect for failing to ensure fire safety compliance and is currently in pre-trial detention. The regional prosecutor's office stated that a pre-trial investigation is underway to establish all circumstances leading to the explosion, including a legal assessment of other potentially responsible parties' actions.

In response to public questions about oversight, prosecutors explained that the cafe was on a list supervised by the local emergency services department but was categorized as a "low-risk" object. Consequently, it was not subject to routine preventive inspections with on-site visits unless specific grounds for an unscheduled check arose under Kazakhstan's Entrepreneurial Code.

The prosecutors also noted that in 2023, the premises were converted into a cafe and put into operation by the owner independently, following procedures outlined in laws governing architectural and construction activities. The single-story establishment is located near a five-story residential building.