A fire broke out in the building of a football stadium under construction in Dushanbe on the morning of August 20. A column of black smoke rose above the stadium, which could be seen from various high points of the city.

Judging by the video shot by Asia-Plus journalists, the fire could have occurred on the lower level of the stadium under construction – it was there that the flames raged and heavy smoke was observed.

Several fire brigades promptly arrived at the scene. The flames were extinguished at about 12:20 p.m.

The exact causes of the fire and the extent of the damage are still unknown. Officials have not yet commented on the incident.

One of the builders of the central stadium told Asia-Plus that the fire started due to the fall of a welding torch into a container with oil. According to another eyewitness, who works as a building security guard, the burner fell on the firewood that was used for cooking, which caused the fire.

What will be the main stadium of the country?

The new stadium in Dushanbe covers an area of 9.5 hectares and will accommodate 30,000 spectators. It will allow hosting international competitions in Tajikistan and will become an important cultural center contributing to the development of football and sports culture in the country.

The project started in 2019, and completion is scheduled for 2026 and is timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence. The construction is being carried out by a Chinese company in support of FIFA projects.

The stadium includes four stands located on two tiers, as well as a special box for high-ranking guests at a height of more than 18 meters, with separate offices for 448 seats and a walking area at a height of more than 9 meters.

The facility is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure – changing rooms, showers, medical centers, training rooms, cafes and parking for 2,000 cars. 72 television monitors for broadcasts will be installed at the facility, and 312 special lamps will provide lighting. For the convenience of fans, two bridges will be built across the Varzob and Luchob rivers.

On the territory of the stadium, at the initiative of the President of the Football Federation of Tajikistan, Rustam Emomali, a museum of the history of Tajik football will be opened.

In June of this year, President Emomali Rahmon and Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali got acquainted with the construction work at the national stadium. It was noted that more than 720 specialists and workers are involved in the construction.

At that time, the facility was undergoing work on leveling the ground, installing iron structures, laying electrical and Internet cables, water lines, heating and air purification systems, interior decoration and tiling. The Head of State instructed to build efficiently, taking into account all standards and requirements.