Authorities in Kazakhstan have launched a high-level investigation following a deadly gas cylinder explosion in a café in Shchuchinsk, located in the Burabay District.

Minister of Emergency Situations Chingis Arinov ordered the creation of an interdepartmental commission to determine the exact cause of the blast, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Seven Dead, Dozens Affected

The explosion - caused by a gas-air mixture and followed by a fire - ripped through a café attached to a five-story residential building.

According to the initial reports:

Seven people were killed, including a 16-year-old girl

13 victims remain hospitalized at the district hospital

Six people were discharged for outpatient treatment

In total, 26 people were affected by the tragedy.

Commission to Conduct Full Investigation

The newly established commission is headed by Arinov and includes leaders from the Ministries of Interior, Healthcare, Labor and Social Protection, Energy, Industry and Construction, Justice, Trade and Integration, as well as representatives of the Akmola regional administration.

Officials say the group will conduct a comprehensive and objective investigation, identify the causes, and develop preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Support for Victims and Families

Authorities have pledged full medical and psychological assistance to the injured and bereaved families. The regional administration has also been instructed to organize funerals for those who lost their lives.

A hotline has been launched by the regional emergency department for relatives and concerned citizens.