Uzbekistan opens criminal investigation after deadly Tashkent Mall fire

Authorities in Uzbekistan have launched a criminal investigation following a major fire at the Aviator shopping and entertainment centre in the capital.

The case has been opened under two charges: abuse of authority in a non-governmental organisation and violation of fire safety regulations, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, evaluate the actions of those responsible, and gather additional evidence.

The fire broke out on January 31 at the Pixel children’s playground on the second floor of the mall. More than 120 people were inside the building at the time. Tragically, the body of a three-year-old child was discovered during a post-fire inspection of the premises.

By Vugar Khalilov