Explosion at metal scrap yard in Kazakhstan claims lives of three Uzbek citizens

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Three Uzbek citizens were killed in an explosion at the LGN Metal scrap reception facility in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Preliminary reports suggest that ammunition might have been among the scrap metal.

Regional police stated that an unidentified object detonated during the acceptance process. Emergency services — including police, firefighters, and medical teams — promptly arrived at the scene.

A criminal case has been opened to determine the causes and circumstances of the tragedy. No official version has yet been announced.

According to Kazakhstan’s KTK TV channel, the explosion was most likely caused by mines hidden in the scrap. The facility owner noted that the metal may have been previously purchased at a low price from the military:

“The foundry behind us is leased by a Chinese company. Apparently, they once bought scrap at a cheap rate, but among it were leftover items from the Ministry of Defense — unexploded mines. Now all security agencies are conducting an investigation.”