In Shymkent on 27 July, sulphur caught fire on the territory of the «Ordabasy» industrial zone, located in the Yenbekshinsky district. The preliminary area of the fire was 1,200 sq. m.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, extinguishing the fire was complicated by the chemical reaction of sulphur oxidation. 10 people suffered burns and smoke poisoning, and two remain under medical supervision.
«364 people were evacuated, including 200 children. Hot meals were provided. 258 people, including 141 children, went to stay with relatives. An operational headquarters has been set up at the scene and a mobile command post has been deployed. Approximately 120 personnel and more than 40 units of equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, local executive bodies, the Committee for Public Protection, the Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, and 1 fire train from Kazakhstan Railways were involved», the department reported.
The next day, the fire was completely extinguished. The relevant authorities promised to determine the cause of the fire.
According to information from the media, the sulphur came from the Shymkent oil refinery and was intended for transport to Kazphosphate LLP, a mineral fertiliser plant in Taraz.
In turn, 24.kz reports that, during the fire, the concentration of sulphur dioxide in the city's atmosphere exceeded permissible levels by 40 times.
It has become known that law enforcement authorities have initiated a criminal case regarding the industrial fire.