Speaking at the meeting, the director of the capital's social development department, Aizada Junusova, reported on an inspection conducted by the Ministry of Emergency Situations on March 18, 2025. As a result of the inspection, recommendations were issued to improve safety measures, including the need to ensure constant access to evacuation exits and the installation of alarms.
She added that a period of 30 days was set to eliminate the identified violations, and following a re-inspection on April 18, the institution was deemed compliant with fire safety requirements.
An employee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations noted that the fire alarm was received at 19:00, and the first firefighters arrived on the scene at 19:09.
“Unfortunately, ten people were injured as a result of the fire, two of whom died. The preliminary version of what happened is a short circuit. Splices of wires were found in the room where the victims were located. A forensic examination has been appointed, the results of which are not yet ready,” he explained.
The director of the nursing home, Baktygul Zhankoylieva, added that the Department of Internal Affairs of the First May District is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Elizaveta Alymbaeva also asked whether the alarm system was activated during the fire.
In response, Zhankoylieva stated that the alarm system was in working order. “The fire occurred on a day off, January 6. The nurse working in the department called the nurse and reported a smell of smoke, after which the staff were evacuated. The palliative care unit, where bedridden patients were located, is 400 meters away, and there was no one left in the main building who could hear the alarm. The nurse called the fire service,” she explained.
The deputy clarified whether the residents could have turned on the heater due to the cold temperature in the building.“Patients after a stroke would not have been able to do this, as they do not speak or move,” Zhankoylieva replied.
“Despite the fact that it was a holiday, your institution requires constant supervision, and it is necessary for the duty staff to be present. The situation creates the impression that the nursing home was left unattended. There were not enough staff. Responsibility must be taken. People are here around the clock, and this is a shortcoming. You must recognize your guilt,” Alymbaeva said, addressing the director.
However, Junusova noted that all seven duty staff were in their places, and this can be confirmed by video recordings showing when the staff entered and exited to assist the elderly.
Deputy Erzhan Nasiraliyev agreed with Alymbaeva's opinion. “Although we are not blaming anyone, moral responsibility must be accepted,” he added.
