Astana’s Shanghai market gutted by fire, authorities blame late alert PHOTO/VIDEO

A major fire broke out at the Shanghai market located in Astana’s Baikonur district, near the Alash highway, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, the blaze, which led to a partial structural collapse, has since been brought under control, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

Emergency services responded swiftly, setting up a firefighting headquarters at the scene and activating a command centre at the Ministry to coordinate efforts. Fire crews operated under an elevated fire rating due to the intensity of the incident.

By the time the first response units arrived, the fire had already spread significantly within the building, leading to a partial collapse of the floor slab. Officials noted that heavy smoke and a high fire load severely complicated firefighting efforts.

“Fire suppression is underway using water hoses deployed around the perimeter, including from aerial firefighting equipment,” the ministry reported. “Due to the delayed alarm, the flames quickly spread throughout the building. A total of 165 personnel and 62 pieces of equipment have been mobilised.”

Thanks to rapid and coordinated efforts, the fire was successfully localised and contained before it could spread to nearby structures. Authorities confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities.

Notably, the Ministry of Emergency Situations stated that the market administration failed to report the fire. It was first detected by emergency crews, who noticed thick black smoke emanating from the windows on the first and third floors.

An investigation into the cause of the fire and the market’s failure to notify authorities is expected to follow.

By Tamilla Hasanova