Gas station blast in Fergana sparks outrage over hidden fatalities

The government is allegedly concealing the true number of fatalities and injuries following the gas station explosion in Fergana. These claims were made by a Fergana resident who contacted QALAMPIR.UZ.

The explosion occurred on December 17, 2024, at 1:43 p.m. at a gas station on Ahmad Yassaviy Street in the “Yangi Yul” neighborhood of Fergana city. According to preliminary information provided by the Regional Emergency Situations Department, the explosion resulted from a violation of technological processes and non-compliance with technical safety rules during the discharge of liquefied gas at the multi-fuel gas station. A flash led to a subsequent fire.

Initially, it was reported that one person had died, four were injured, and eight citizens were under medical supervision. By December 18, the information was updated, and the number of fatalities increased to three. However, a Fergana resident claimed that the actual death toll was closer to 20 and that this information was being deliberately concealed.

According to the resident, his relative and her children were among the victims. “My relative was about 33 years old. She went to the gas station to refuel. She had two children and an 18-year-old nephew with her. My sister was standing in a designated waiting area. When the explosion occurred, her 18-year-old nephew died on the spot. Her two sons, ages 3 and 4, and herself died on the way to the hospital,” he recounted.

The resident also stated that he witnessed the destruction firsthand. “I work near the gas station. With my own eyes, I saw that eight cars burned to ashes inside the station, and one passing car on the street also burned with its occupants inside. An Internal Affairs officer who came to my workplace casually mentioned during a conversation that about 20 people had died. He explained that a propane tank hose had burst, and due to negligence in its repair, propane leaked and caused the explosion.”

He further revealed that most of the injured were taken to the regional emergency medical center, located one intersection away from the site of the explosion. QALAMPIR.UZ contacted sources at the hospital, who claimed that the true number of injured and dead was being hidden even from hospital staff.

“There are several doctors, nurses, and ‘sanitary workers’ in our hospital, but not everyone is allowed to treat those who were brought in after the explosion. It is also forbidden to disclose information about the victims. From what I know, eight people are currently in intensive care with 80-90% burns. One minor and four adults are still in critical condition. While the exact number of injured remains unclear, there are many of them,” a hospital employee disclosed.

One witness told the editorial office that a nearby cafeteria called “Ansor” was affected. “One of the adults in the cafe went into shock from fear and was taken to the hospital,” the source said.

Fortunately, the children at the “Malinkaya Strana” kindergarten near the gas station were unharmed. They were evacuated immediately following the explosion.

As of now, there is no information about the formation of a government commission to investigate the incident. However, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 257 (Violation of labor protection rules) Part 3, Paragraph “a,” and Article 259 (Violation of fire safety rules) Part 3, Paragraph “a” of the Criminal Code. Five people have been detained as part of the investigation. Relevant examinations have been ordered, and investigative actions are underway.

After the Fergana Internal Affairs Department published its figures on the death toll, both official and unofficial media outlets disseminated this information. However, these reports have sparked controversy, with accusations that the media is spreading false information. Critics argue that the media relied on figures provided by government agencies and should not be blamed for any discrepancies.

One of the most significant issues highlighted by locals is the negligence in adhering to building codes and safety standards. The gas station was reportedly located dangerously close to residential buildings and a kindergarten. Fergana residents who spoke to QALAMPIR.UZ claimed they had previously protested against the location of the station, citing safety concerns.

“The gas station is too close to homes and the kindergarten. These permits are issued recklessly, with no regard for public safety,” one resident complained.

The proximity of the gas station to populated areas highlights a broader issue of systemic negligence. “The distance between gas stations and residential buildings is meant to ensure safety and protect public health. But no one pays attention to these rules. Officials blindly approve permits for construction without considering the risks,” the resident said.

This disregard for safety protocols, combined with the alleged concealment of the true death toll, has left many questioning the accountability of those in power.

“Even after a tragedy of this scale, the government appears more focused on controlling information than addressing the root causes of such disasters,” one local remarked.