Astana hotel blaze forces mass evacuation

On October 16, a major fire broke out early at a five-storey hotel in Astana, prompting the evacuation of dozens of guests, Kazakhstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry said.

The blaze occurred on Respublika Avenue in the Saryarka district of the capital, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

According to officials, electrical wiring ignited in switchboards between the second and fifth floors, spreading over a length of about 12 metres.

Firefighters evacuated 50 people from the building, while another eight – including two children – were rescued using a triple-section ladder and protective breathing equipment.

Emergency crews quickly brought the fire under control, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Images from the scene shared by local media showed smoke billowing from upper floors as rescue teams worked to bring people to safety. Authorities have praised the swift response of firefighters, who prevented the blaze from spreading further.

By Aghakazim Guliyev