The investigation into the deadly fire at the Plov Center café in Akmola Region, Kazakhstan, continues to expand, with authorities confirming new arrests linked to the incident that claimed 12 lives.

Special prosecutors said that two additional suspects were detained on April 20 as part of the criminal investigation, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

They include:

The director of a vehicle gas filling station

A gas cylinder delivery worker

They are suspected of violating safety regulations during gas cylinder refilling and delivery services.

The suspects are being investigated under a criminal article covering unsafe services that resulted in serious harm and multiple deaths, which carries a penalty of up to eight years in prison. One suspect has been placed in custody, while the other remains under house arrest.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and a final court decision will determine responsibility.

The fatal incident occurred on the night of February 26, 2026, in the city of Shchuchinsk, when a fire and explosion tore through the café.

Initial reports confirmed multiple casualties, but the death toll gradually rose over several weeks as injured victims succumbed to their wounds:

7 deaths initially reported

11 confirmed by March

Final toll reached 12 victims

Dozens of people were injured, with many in critical condition.

Earlier, the café owner was arrested and remains in custody. A separate criminal case was also opened over violations of fire safety regulations that contributed to the deadly blaze.