Skyscraper blaze in Astana: Evacuations and firefighting underway

Recordings of a skyscraper fire in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, have appeared online. Flames can be seen engulfing a section of the 26-storey building. The firefighting operation is ongoing, and no confirmed information about any victims exists.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the outer façade of the "Rixos Khan Shatyr Residences" on Turan Avenue caught fire.

Authorities will investigate the cause of the fire and implement increased security measures over the next few hours. Due to the ongoing firefighting operation, local transport disruptions, including road closures, are also possible. The authorities may order the evacuation of neighbouring buildings.

At least eight people have been evacuated from the burning building. So far, there have been no reports of fatalities or injuries in the fire.