The death toll from the café explosion in Shchuchinsk, Akmola region, Kazakhstan, has climbed to 11.

Nariman Yermek, head of the Akmola regional health department, confirmed that two more critically injured patients have died: one on March 8 at Avicenna-Burabay Hospital and another on March 9 at the Akmola Regional Multidisciplinary Hospital in Kokshetau, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Medical teams continue to fight for the lives of other victims, providing full support using all available resources.

The tragedy occurred overnight on February 26-27 when a café in Shchuchinsk exploded, followed by a fire. Seven people initially died and more than 20 were injured. Five victims died at the scene, while two more passed away later in intensive care, authorities said.

A criminal investigation was launched after the incident, and on March 4, the café owner was arrested for two months as part of ongoing proceedings.