Gas explosion damages grocery store in Kazakhstan, three injured

An explosion caused by a gas–air mixture has damaged a grocery store in southeastern Kazakhstan, injuring three people, emergency officials said.

The blast occurred in the village of Karabulak in the Eskeldinsky District of the Zhetysu region, according to the regional branch of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

Emergency responders deployed 27 personnel and six units of equipment to the scene. Authorities said the explosion partially destroyed the store’s outer wall and roof, damaging an area of approximately 36 square metres.

Three people were injured and transported to the district central hospital. Officials described their condition as moderate but stable, adding that all are conscious.

The exact cause of the explosion is under investigation.

In a statement posted on social media, the local village administration said that water supply on several streets would be temporarily suspended to allow for emergency repair work following the blast.

By Sabina Mammadli