Director of the Department of Social Development of the Mayor's Office, Aizada Junusova, reported that on March 18, 2025, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations conducted an inspection at the facility. During the inspection, orders were issued regarding ensuring constant access to evacuation exits, installing alarms, and replacing faulty sockets.
According to her, a deadline of 30 days was set to rectify the identified violations. A follow-up inspection on April 18 confirmed that all requirements had been met and that the institution complied with fire safety standards.
An employee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, commenting on the situation, stated that information about the fire was received at 7:00 PM, and firefighters began extinguishing the fire just nine minutes later. "Unfortunately, ten people were injured, and two died. The preliminary cause of the fire is a short circuit; wire splices were found in the room where the deceased were located. A forensic examination has been appointed, but its results are not yet ready," he added.
The director of the nursing home, Baktygul Zhankoylieva, noted that the Internal Affairs Department of the First May District is currently conducting an investigation.
Alymbaeva also asked whether the alarm had gone off. Zhankoylieva responded that the alarm was functioning. "The fire occurred on a day off, January 6. A nurse reported a strange smell to the nurse and asked the staff to evacuate. The nurse clarified that they immediately rushed to help. However, the palliative care unit, where bedridden patients were located, was 400 meters from the main building, and it is unclear whether the alarm went off: there was no one left in the main building who could hear it. The fire department was called by the nurse," she explained.
The deputy asked if the residents could have turned on the heater, as it was cold in the room.
Zhankoylieva replied that this was impossible: "They are post-stroke patients, they cannot speak or move. Physically, they would not have been able to do that."
Alymbaeva emphasized that even during holidays, constant supervision is necessary in such institutions, and the situation in the nursing home raises concerns. "There were not enough staff, and responsibility must be taken. People live here around the clock for many years. This is a shortcoming, and you must recognize it," she addressed the director.
In response, Junusova assured that all seven attendants were in their places, which is confirmed by video recordings showing when staff changed diapers or brought dinner.
Deputy Erjan Nasiraliyev agreed with Alymbaeva's opinion, adding, "We are not blaming anyone, but moral responsibility must exist."
