Fire contained after powerful blast near airport in Uzbek capital

According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (FVV), a fire triggered by a massive explosion at a warehouse near Tashkent’s airport has been put out and the situation is under control.

The early morning bomb smashed hundreds of windows in surrounding apartment buildings, and some individuals were being treated for minor injuries, according to Uzbekistan’s Health Ministry.

Social media videos and photos showed flames leaping into the night sky and a massive cloud of smoke.

The cause of the explosion was unclear, with one report of “strong lightning”. The ministry said a “special laboratory” had been set up at the scene to investigate the explosion.

“As a result of the quick actions of FVV employees, the area of the fire is being reduced,” the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app. “The situation is completely under control”.

Flights at Tashkent International Airport were taking off and landing as normal, its administration said.

Video and photographs on social media showed flames soaring into the night sky and a huge cloud of smoke. Flights at Tashkent International Airport appeared to be taking off and landing as normal, data from flight tracking website FlightRadar24 showed.

A notice to airmen issued at 2215 GMT on Wednesday said a runway at the airport would be closed for takeoff and landing between 0200 GMT and 0700 GMT on Thursday, but a segment would be available for taxiing. It did not provide a reason.

According to a post on social media from Uzbek media outlet Daryo, 16 fire and rescue crews were sent to fight the fire at one of the warehouses located in the city’s Sergeli district near the airport.