Kazakh Tanker-Truck Accident Causes Huge Fire In Almaty

The blaze quickly engulfed a nearby building, completely destroying some 20 apartments.

ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- A traffic accident involving a gasoline tanker truck caused a huge fire in the center of Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty.

Kazakhstan's Emergency Situations Ministry says one person, the truck's driver, died in the accident on June 27.

The truck carrying 8 tons of fuel turned over in the city center early in the morning, setting at least eight other vehicles on fire.

The blaze quickly engulfed a nearby building, completely destroying some 20 apartments.

The fire was fully extinguished by midday local time.

Investigators are trying to find out if there are any other victims in the affected apartments.

The authorities have set up a tent camp in a city park for those who lost their homes in the accident.