Uzbekistan explosion: Fire reported near airport in capital Tashkent


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A powerful explosion occurred near the airport of the Uzbek capital Tashkent overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, local media reported, with authorities saying the blast resulted in injuries.

According to witnesses quoted by the news website Nova24, the explosion took place at a customs warehouse near the airport, with videos circulating on social media showing a column of flames and smoke rising into the night sky.

The Health Ministry said a “fire” had been reported during the night at the warehouse, and that an unspecified number of injured people had been taken to hospital, AFP reported.

“At the moment, there are not any seriously injured among them. Right now, doctors are furnishing all necessary medical assistance,” the ministry said on Telegram.

“Emergency medical care is also being provided to people injured in the fire at the scene of the accident and in the surrounding apartments.”

Flights at Tashkent International Airport appeared to be taking off and landing as normal, data from flight tracking website FlightRadar24 showed.

A notice sent to pilots said a runway at the airport would be closed for take-off and landing for at least five hours on Thursday, Reuters reported, but a segment would still be available for taxiing.

Uzbekistan is the most populous of the central Asian former Soviet republics, and fires attributed to dilapidated equipment and poor adherence to safety standards are common there.

Accidents of this magnitude, however, are still rare.

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Company name: Nestrom

Started: 2017

Co-founders: Yousef Wadi, Kanaan Manasrah and Shadi Shalabi

Based: Jordan

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Initial investment: Close to $100,000

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Source: American Paediatric Association

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Expo details

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

It is expected to attract 25 million visits

Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.

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  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
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Rating: 4.5/5

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Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito

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The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
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Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
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Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.

Updated: September 28, 2023, 7:18 AM`