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A devastating fire in a residential building in Astana، which tragically resulted in the deaths of three children، has prompted an official explanation from the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The ministry clarified that firefighters arrived promptly and clarified their legal limitations regarding moving vehicles obstructing access.

Firefighter Response and Legal Constraints

Aigerim Raimqulova، head of the fire safety department at the Committee for Emergency Situations، stated that while firefighters are permitted to enter and dismantle structures on a property، they do not have the legal right to push aside private vehicles. She explained that such actions do not fall under emergency circumstances according to Article 34 of the Criminal Code. "In an emergency، we involve the relevant services and remove obstacles by any means necessary. By the time the fire ladder arrived، the apartment door was already broken down. The investigation will provide further conclusions،" Raimqulova said.

Cost of Equipment and Resident Responsibility

Raimqulova highlighted the significant cost of specialized equipment، noting that a single fire ladder for high-rise buildings can range from 800 million to 1 billion tenge. This equipment is designed for rescue operations and cannot be used for moving vehicles. She also emphasized the responsibility of residents to ensure clear access for emergency services، stating that improper parking can impede the response of urgent services.

Dispelling Delays and Fire Safety Protocols

Omirzhan Tukushev، deputy head of the Astana Emergency Situations Department، officially refuted claims that firefighters were delayed by 20 minutes. "As soon as the units arrived، they began rescue and firefighting operations for the children. They used the stairwell for this purpose. Two units ascended it، opened the door، and conducted rescue operations. We officially deny the information about a 20-minute delay،" Tukushev stated.

Raimqulova also addressed the timing of the fire's ignition. Video footage showed open flames emerging from a window while the aerial ladder was still being set up، suggesting a delayed report of the fire. The exact time elapsed between the fire's start and the report remains unknown. She stressed that dense smoke can be fatal within just 10 minutes، particularly for young children.

"The woman survived؛ it was possible to save her. The main question now is why the others could not get out of the apartment؟ The investigation will answer this،" she added.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminded the public of the correct procedure during fires in high-rise buildings. If there is heavy smoke in the stairwell، residents should return to their apartment and await rescue from a window. If the smoke is minimal، they should crouch، cover their faces with a damp cloth، and descend using the stairs، not the elevator. Modern fire safety systems in high-rise buildings are designed to ensure safe exit from apartments.

The fire occurred on the night of April 12th on the 15th floor of a 21-story building in the "Korkem" residential complex in Astana. Firefighters rescued one woman، who was hospitalized. The bodies of three children were found at the scene.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.