On the night of August 11, 2023, a large fire broke out at the "Uch Qahramon" trade complex, causing an estimated material damage of approximately 74 billion soums according to preliminary calculations. This was reported by Upl.uz.
This amount is approximately equivalent to 5.88 million US dollars at the current exchange rate. As a result of the fire, 8,000 square meters of trading area were destroyed, and the assets of 137 entrepreneurs were damaged.
The fire alarm was received by the emergency situations department's duty unit at 02:22. Within seven minutes, the first fire rescue team arrived at the scene and began firefighting efforts.
The firefighting operations lasted for more than two hours and involved 10 pieces of equipment. Thanks to rapid actions, 12,000 square meters of the market area were saved from the fire, but significant damage occurred over a total area of 20,000 square meters.
Fortunately, it was reported that no people were injured in the incident. Investigative authorities began work at the scene and are examining the causes of the fire.
According to preliminary assumptions, the fire was caused by a malfunction in the electrical supply system, specifically due to overload or increased conductivity in the electrical wires between two shops at the market entrance. Responsibility for violating fire safety regulations is being attributed to the management of "Uch Qahramon Specialized Trade Complex" LLC.
A forensic examination has been appointed to determine the causes of the incident. Evidence is being collected with the participation of experts from the X. Sulaymanova Center of the Republican Forensic Examination Center and specialists from the Fire Safety Academy.
Investigators from the Tashkent district internal affairs department have initiated a criminal case under Article 259, Part 2, Clause "b" of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan – "Violation of fire safety rules." The case was later transferred to the investigative department of the Tashkent region internal affairs department.
As a result of the fire, 257 out of 567 shops were damaged, accounting for more than 45 percent of all shops. Specifically, 181 shops belonging to 137 entrepreneurs, as well as 76 vacant trade pavilions at the time of the fire, were damaged.
The greatest damage was recorded in block "A," where 106 shops belonging to 78 entrepreneurs were affected. According to the fire safety regulations in force in Uzbekistan, evacuation plans must be developed for places where many people gather, including large markets; firefighting equipment must always be operational; and free access routes must be provided for special vehicles.
The current investigation will determine to what extent these requirements were met at the "Uch Qahramon" market.
