6 Dead, 20 Injured in Kazakhstan Café Gas Explosion

A gas explosion at a café in Shchuchinsk, Kazakhstan, has left six people dead and around 20 others injured, according to emergency authorities.

The blast occurred in the Burabay district of the Akmola region when an air-gas mixture ignited inside a single-story café attached to a five-story residential building. The explosion was followed by a fire that quickly spread through the premises.

Emergency services said more than ten residents were evacuated from the adjoining apartment building as a precaution. Fire crews later brought the blaze under control, and debris removal operations are currently underway.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the gas explosion. The incident has raised renewed concerns over gas safety standards and building inspections in Kazakhstan.

Further updates are expected as officials continue assessing the damage and confirming casualty figures.