Twelve People, Including Nine Children, Killed in House Fire in Turkistan Region

A fire broke out early this morning in the village of Algabas in the Jetisay District of the Turkistan Region, claiming the lives of 12 people, Orda.kz reports.

Fire crews arrived to find a two-story residential building fully engulfed in flames. During firefighting and search operations, rescuers pulled out three unconscious individuals and handed them over to paramedics.

Inside the house, firefighters discovered 12 bodies — including nine children. Neighbors told reporters that the homeowners had hosted guests the previous evening.

The fire was extinguished across an area of 360 square meters. Emergency services remain on-site, and investigators are working to establish the cause of the blaze.

Aqorda reported that President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev expressed condolences to the affected families. He instructed the government and the regional akim to provide all necessary assistance and ensure a full investigation.

A criminal case has been opened under the article “Violation of fire safety requirements.”

Children’s ombudsman Dinara Zakiyeva confirmed that two families — parents and their children — had been inside the house, and that the roof collapsed during the fire.

Two adults and one child were hospitalized in serious but stable condition and remain in intensive care.

A government commission has been established by presidential order, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. It includes representatives of the Ministries of Emergency Situations, Internal Affairs, Health, and Labor, as well as regional officials.

The commission will determine the cause of the tragedy.

Authorities will provide medical, psychological, and social support to the families of the victims and survivors.

The regional akimat has been instructed to organize the funerals.

Original Author: Artyom Volkov