A fire broke out on Saturday on Nukus Street in central Tashkent, engulfing the exterior cladding on the side of a newly built 12-story residential building. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that the emergency call was received at 10:21 AM, and fire and rescue crews arrived at the scene just two minutes later, at 10:23 AM.
All residents were safely evacuated from the building. The fire was contained by 11:00 AM and fully extinguished by 11:10 AM. According to the official statement, no injuries or casualties were reported.
Nilufar Allabergenova, the mayor of the Yakkasaray district, along with representatives from various municipal services, personally oversaw the firefighting operations.
One local suggested that welding work on the roof might have triggered the blaze. However, the official cause remains under investigation.
The fire destroyed nearly all the cladding on the side of the building, partially damaging the front facade and the rear section as well. Several apartments sustained damage. Sidewalks and lawns surrounding the high-rise were left littered with debris from the charred cladding and insulation material.
Emergency officials were seen questioning construction workers. An official from the ministry emphasized that operations involving welding equipment and angle grinders must only be conducted after the work area has been properly sealed off to prevent sparks from reaching the ventilated facade.
Residents noted that the building took three years to construct, and people began moving in six months ago. It is currently at about 60% to 70% occupancy.
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