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In Kazakhstan, Fire Hits Highest Tower Under Construction In Central Asia


A fire broke out at a construction site where Central Asia's tallest tower is being built in the Kazakh capital, Astana.

The Kazakh Interior Ministry said the blaze at the Abu Dhabi Plaza, which is being constructed by United Arab Emirates developer Aldar Properties and contractor Arabtec, started in the early hours of February 13.

Firefighters took six hours to put out the fire, which raged between the 11th and the 25th floors.

The ministry reported no injuries, saying 150 workers had left the construction site.

Abu Dhabi Plaza, due to be completed by the end of this year, will include a hotel as well as residential, retail, and office space.

The ministry said in a statement that a heater was the most likely cause of the fire.

Based on reporting by Reuters, TASS, Interfax

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