On 26 March, a massive fire broke out in Baku’s Nizami district, engulfing the ‘Diqlas’ shopping center and spreading to its neighboring buildings.
The center, harboring some 500 shops, was evacuated while firefighters and helicopters were trying to extinguish the flames. At least five people were injured in the process.
According to Minister of Emergency Situations
Kamaladdin Heydarov
, flammable materials in the building’s facade enabled the fire to spread quickly.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. With total damage estimated at ₼30 million ($18 million), shop owners have
demanded compensation
.
