Financial assistance provided to families of gas explosion victims in Andijan

Tashkent, April 1 – The families of those who lost their lives in the gas explosion at the “Ahmadali Haji” mosque in the Izboskan district of Andijan region have received financial assistance, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan reported.  

The Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, visited the mosque along with officials to assess the situation. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families, and verses from the Holy Quran were recited in honor of the deceased.  

Scholars led by the mufti also participated in the funeral prayers and ceremonies, offering prayers for the victims. The families of the deceased were provided with both financial aid and moral support. Additionally, prayers were offered for the injured, wishing them a swift recovery.  

According to the Muslim Board, financial assistance has been allocated to the victims' families, and further payments are planned in accordance with existing legislation. Funds will also be provided for the restoration of the damaged section of the mosque.  

On March 31, at 12:19, the Andijan Regional Fire and Rescue Department received a report of a gas-air mixture flash at the “Ahmadali Khoji” mosque in the “Mirzo Ulugbek” mahalla. Two rescue teams and two fire crews were immediately dispatched to the scene. Deputy Prime Minister Ochilboy Ramatov, who was in the valley at the time, along with Minister of Emergency Situations Major General Botir Kudratkhodjaev, arrived in Izboskan to oversee the response. Later, Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazarov also visited the site. Following the incident, the Cabinet of Ministers established a government commission, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ochilboy Ramatov, to investigate the explosion. A criminal case has also been initiated. As a result of the explosion, 10 people sustained injuries of varying severity, and three individuals lost their lives at the scene. The Andijan regional prosecutor's office has launched a criminal case under Articles 205 (Abuse of Power or Official Authority) and 259 (Violation of Fire Safety Regulations) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.