Shocking moment raging inferno engulfs residential skyscraper as firefighters search for people in burning building

THIS is the shocking moment a residential tower block was engulfed in an inferno in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana.

The 26-floor elite skyscraper is close to the shopping center Khan-Shatyr, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest “tent” in the world.

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A 26-storey-high skyscraper was seen on fire in the centre of Astana, Kazakhstan[/caption]

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Huge plumes of smoke were seen coming from the building[/caption]

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Firefighters are seen working to extinguish the blaze[/caption]

Initial reports said eight people, including one child, had been evacuated from the blazing tower today.

Firefighters were reported to be searching for people inside the Rixos Khan Shatyr Residences as the cladding on the high-rise was burning.

There was no initial information about casualties in the tower where luxury apartments currently sell for up to £611,000.

The fire started on the top floor or roof of the residential and offices building, according to reports.

Some 72 firefighters and 16 pieces of equipment were at the scene.

Thick black smoke was seen emanating from the tower and polluting the downtown area.

The entire road nearby was shrouded in acrid smoke.

It appeared to be burning on the exterior of the tower in Astana, a modern city built in the steppe as the capital of energy-rich Kazakhstan.

The building is about 256ft high.

Firefighters used extendable equipment to reach up to the tower and shower it with water.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.

One account said there were 12 apartments for sale in the black and 23 for rent.

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Rixos Khan Shatyr Residences is located near the world’s largest ‘tent’[/caption]