The popular Beshqo'rg'on market in Tashkent's Chilanzar district has temporarily suspended operations following a major fire on April 5. According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the fire lasted approximately 2.5 hours before being extinguished. Videos circulating on social media show market participants hastily evacuating their goods and vehicles from the scene.

No physical injuries have been reported as a result of the incident, but the exact extent of the damage remains unclear. After the fire was put out, the Tashkent City Emergency Situations Department conducted an inspection of the market area and an adjacent fuel station.

The inspection revealed serious safety violations: a building is being used as a warehouse in close proximity to fuel storage tanks, the automatic fire suppression system in the trading complex is faulty, and several other fire safety regulations have been grossly violated. The MES has decided to halt the market's activities until all deficiencies are fully addressed.

This incident highlights a recurring pattern of fire safety issues in Tashkent in recent months. Previously, the Park in Mall shopping center was also temporarily closed after a fire that started during renovation work, and where cafes and shops were operating despite the building not being officially opened. Additionally, in January, a fire broke out at the Aviator shopping complex in the Yashnabad district, leading to the opening of a criminal case and the initiation of nationwide fire safety inspections.

MES officials have emphasized that if serious violations are identified during inspections, the activities of such facilities are immediately suspended, and key requirements for their staff are reiterated. These events underscore the urgent need to strengthen fire safety standards in Tashkent's commercial complexes.

Source: www.gazeta.uz