A gas explosion occurred in one of the apartment buildings in Shakhtinsk, caused by a household gas cylinder, as reported by the Emergency Situations Department of the Karaganda region.
According to the information, firefighters arrived at the scene of the incident just four minutes after receiving the alarm. As a result of the explosion, a fire broke out, engulfing furniture and personal belongings. Rescuers evacuated five people from the upper floors via the stairs. Some residents managed to escape on their own, while others were evacuated by the police.
A heating point was organized to provide warmth for the affected individuals.
"As a result of the explosion, eight people were injured, among whom five are police officers. All of them were taken to a medical facility. The fire was extinguished over an area of 40 square meters," the official statement said.
Currently, the causes and circumstances of the incident are being investigated.
As noted by the regional police department, a call about the smell of gas was received at number 102. The explosion occurred at the moment when law enforcement officers were evacuating residents before the arrival of rescuers.
"A criminal case has been initiated regarding the fire. The police have detained a 40-year-old suspect, who is currently in a specialized ward of the Shakhtinsk city hospital under guard. After his recovery, he will be placed in a temporary detention facility," the department reported.
A comprehensive and objective investigation is underway.
