Indenim Mall in Termez Temporarily Closed Over Fire Safety Violations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Indenim shopping and entertainment center in Termez has been temporarily suspended, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan reported.

The closure followed an inspection by a working group led by Minister Azizbek Ikramov, which found that the facility did not meet fire safety requirements. At the time of the check, the mall’s fire suppression and alarm systems were not operational. The center will remain closed until all violations are addressed to ensure visitor safety and the possibility of safe evacuation in case of an emergency.

The action comes in the wake of a tragic fire at the Aviator shopping center in Tashkent, prompting ongoing nationwide inspections of fire safety compliance in similar facilities.

In the Aviator incident on 31 January, a fire broke out on the second floor, where a children’s play area and food court were located. The alarm and automatic fire suppression systems failed to operate. About 200 rescuers and dozens of specialized vehicles were deployed, and nearby traffic was temporarily restricted.

The fire resulted in the death of a three-year-old child. An investigation has been launched under Articles 192-11 (“abuse of authority by officials of non-state organizations”) and 259 (“violation of fire safety regulations”) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.