In Alma-Ata, the largest city in Kazakhstan, a devastating hostel fire claimed the lives of at least thirteen people, including four foreign nationals, according to local authorities. The tragedy unfolded late on Thursday, jolting a community that was already counting the injuries and losses that followed a rapid and chaotic night.
The response teams acted swiftly, and the fire was brought under control by 06:22 local time (00:22 GMT). Authorities confirmed that thirteen bodies were recovered during the operation, underscoring the severity of the blaze and the danger that engulfed the building.
The burned area covered roughly 30 square meters, as stated in the official note released by the emergency services. Early information indicates there were 72 people inside the hostel when the fire broke out, including citizens from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and other countries. This multinational presence highlights the hostel’s role as a temporary home for travelers and workers in the city.
Among the deceased, authorities reported nine Kazakh nationals, two Russians and two citizens of Uzbekistan. The casualty distribution has prompted a formal, ongoing investigation by police to determine the exact causes of the fire and to assess any potential safety failures at the facility.
Emergency responders and investigators are continuing their work to reconstruct movements inside the building, identify any possible ignition sources, and review safety measures that might have prevented such a tragedy. The incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of hostel safety standards and evacuation protocols to protect guests in similar lodging venues across the region. The event, while rooted in a single location, resonates with broader concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in urban accommodations that host a large and diverse population of visitors. Authorities say they will release further details as the investigation progresses, and the public is urged to rely on official updates for the latest information. [citation: local authorities] [citation: emergency services] [citation: police press release]