Kazakh defense minister resigns after blasts at arms depot

15 soldiers, firefighters were killed in explosions in southern Zhambyl province on Aug. 26

NUR SULTAN, Kazakstan (AA) – Kazakhstan’s Defense Minister Nurlan Baiuzakuly Yermekbayev resigned on Tuesday, the presidency said, days after 15 soldiers and firefighters lost their lives in fire and explosions at an arms depot.

Dozens of people were also wounded in the fire that broke out in the ammunition depot of military unit in Bayzakdistrict of southern Zhambyl province that borders Kyrgyzstan on Aug. 26.

Press Secretary Berik Uali said in a statement that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev accepted the minister’s resignation.