A fire broke out at the 13-story Lamiya residential complex on Adi Sharipov Street in Almaty. One girl died and four other people were taken to hospital.
The emergency call was received by the 101 service at 10:49 p.m. on August 24. The fire started in a cable shaft in a technical room and spread to electrical panels from the seventh to the 13th floor in two entrances.
Rescuers evacuated 148 people, including nine children. One girl was found unconscious. Despite resuscitation efforts, doctors were unable to save her. Preliminary information suggests that she may have died from smoke inhalation.
The fire was contained at 11:57 p.m. and fully extinguished at 12:14 a.m. About 90 rescuers and 25 units of special equipment were involved in the operation.
A criminal case has been opened over the fire. Earlier inspections of the building had revealed violations of fire safety requirements, and an order was issued to eliminate them. However, the responsible parties failed to take the necessary measures.
The causes and circumstances of the fire are currently being investigated. An examination has been ordered at Almaty’s Fire Research and Testing Laboratory.