Astana: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the hostel fire in Almaty. The tragedy affected not only Kazakhstani families, but also families in Russia and Uzbekistan, Kazinform News Agency cites the Akorda press service.
“Those responsible for the tragedy will be held accountable. The Government and the Almaty authorities were instructed to render assistance to the bereaved families,” the Akorda’s statement reads.
Earlier it was reported that a fire that engulfed a hostel in Almaty on Thursday morning had killed 13 people. 59 people were evacuated from the scene. Of these, three people sought medical help. 56 guests of the hostel have been temporarily housed at the building of a nearby school.
Most of the hostel guests were foreign nationals. According to Almaty mayor Yerbolat Dossayev, the hostel fire claimed lives of the citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia. The hostel owned by Halyk Bank was a temporary home for students and construction workers.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov decreed to establish a government commission to investigate the causes and eliminate the damage caused by the hostel fire in Almaty. A criminal investigation has been launched.
The Almaty authorities extended their condolences to the bereaved families and vowed to assume all measures to support those injured and evacuated.
