Emergency Ministry issues warning after deadly fire at Aviator mall (video)

Following the deadly fire at the Aviator shopping center, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has announced the launch of large-scale inspections of shopping malls and public catering facilities and warned that operations may be suspended in cases of serious fire safety violations.

According to the ministry, under current legislation in Uzbekistan, responsibility for ensuring strict compliance with fire safety requirements within facilities and buildings lies with the management of those premises.

“For this reason, we urge compliance with the following key requirements: evacuation exits in buildings must always remain open and ready for use; buildings must be equipped with fire alarm systems and other fire protection equipment, which must be kept in constant working condition and regularly monitored; and facilities and floors must be adequately supplied with primary firefighting equipment,” the ministry said in its warning.

It was also emphasized that when facilities or buildings are leased, strict compliance with fire safety requirements by tenants must be clearly stipulated in lease agreements.

“In order to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred at the Aviator shopping center in Tashkent from happening again, strict adherence to the above requirements is of critical importance. Across the country, special working groups have been established to monitor whether such facilities are properly organized, fire safety rules are being observed, and other necessary measures are in place. During inspections, if numerous violations of fire safety requirements are identified, the operations of such facilities are temporarily suspended within the scope of authority until the deficiencies are eliminated. Under current legislation, failure to comply with fire safety requirements in facilities, buildings, and structures, as well as fires resulting from such violations, entails administrative and criminal liability for facility managers and other responsible officials,” the statement said.

It is worth noting that on January 31, a fire broke out at the Aviator shopping and entertainment center in Tashkent’s Yashnobod district, resulting in the death of a three-year-old girl. A criminal case has been opened under Article 192-11 (abuse of authority by officials of non-governmental commercial or other non-governmental organizations) and Article 259 (violation of fire safety rules) of the Criminal Code.