Fergana gas station demolished following fatal explosion

The gas station in Fergana, which caused the untimely deaths of several citizens and left others injured or disabled, is being demolished. The station will cease operations permanently.  

According to QALAMPIR.UZ sources, that the demolition is being carried out at the request of the business owner to protect residents and prevent potential future emergencies.  

The gas station, which exploded, belonged to the private company “FARGONA LAYLI N,” founded in 2006 by Azizkhuja Yusupkhujaevich Mavlonov. Investigations by QALAMPIR.UZ revealed that Mavlonov is a close relative—specifically the brother—of Akmalkhuja Yusupovich Mavlonov, the Chairman of the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan.  

While the station is being demolished, questions remain about those responsible for its construction. It has been confirmed that the gas station was built in violation of legal requirements. Will the officials who authorized its construction or turned a blind eye face legal consequences?  

Initial reports indicated that one person died and four others were injured, with eight under medical supervision following the fire. However, by December 18, the number of victims had risen to four.  

Social media users and sources close to QALAMPIR.UZ suggest the actual number of casualties might be higher and could be concealed from the public.  

What is the condition of the injured? Have the families of the deceased received any assistance? What happened to nearby residential buildings and their inhabitants? Have the consequences of the explosion been fully addressed?  

To seek answers, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted the regional administration and the Department of Internal Affairs. Attempts to reach the Regional Emergency Situations Department were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered.

On December 17, at 1:43 p.m., a devastating explosion occurred at a gas station in Fergana, Fergana region. According to the regional administration, the blast resulted from the rupture of a 10-cubic-meter underground liquefied gas storage tank at a multi-fuel gas station on Ahmad Yassavi Street, Yangi Yul neighborhood. The explosion led to widespread fire and destruction.

Three days after the incident, the Health Department provided an update on the victims. On the day of the explosion, 13 injured citizens were brought to the Fergana branch of the Republican Scientific Center for Emergency Medical Care. One of the victims was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Two children, treated in the pediatric intensive care unit, suffered severe burns covering 90% of their bodies. Despite efforts by medical personnel, they succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, three patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit sustained 70-90% burns and remain in critical condition. One woman in this unit passed away later that evening.

Four other patients, suffering from burns covering 20% of their bodies, are receiving ongoing treatment in the combustiology department. Three individuals with minor burns were treated and discharged.

The Fergana regional Department of Internal Affairs launched a criminal case under Article 257 (Violation of labor protection rules) Part 2, Clause “a”, and Article 259 (Violation of safety rules in mining, construction, or blasting works) Part 2, Clause “a” of the Criminal Code. As part of the investigation, five individuals have been arrested, with efforts underway to detain two more suspects.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities or positions of those arrested, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, the regional administration emphasized that full transparency will be maintained as the investigation proceeds.

The explosion and subsequent fatalities have raised public concern over safety regulations and enforcement at gas stations across the country. As investigations continue, families of the victims are demanding accountability and justice.

On December 17, a devastating explosion at a gas station in Fergana resulted in significant casualties and destruction. While initial reports highlighted the tragic loss of lives and injuries, recent updates reveal further details, including damage to vehicles and residential properties in the vicinity.

It has come to light that in addition to the human toll, the explosion resulted in the burning of six vehicles within the gas station premises and three more outside the station, totaling nine vehicles of various models.

In the aftermath, there has been speculation on social media regarding the response of the Fergana regional administration. Reports circulating on Telegram suggested that regional governor Khayrullo Hayitbaevich visited the families of the deceased, provided assistance, and offered compensation. QALAMPIR.UZ contacted the governor's press secretary, Masudjon Sulaymonov, to verify these claims.

According to Sulaymonov, the governor personally visited the homes of the deceased, attended the funerals, and expressed his condolences. The families of the four victims received compensation, although the exact amount was not disclosed by the administration.

Despite the explosion damaging nearby homes, residents were not evacuated and continue to live in their affected properties. The governor's office has assured that the extent of the damage will be assessed, and compensation will be provided in due time.

On December 18, the day following the incident, the Fergana regional administration issued an order to launch a comprehensive investigation and implement measures to prevent similar incidents. A working group was established, comprising employees from the Fergana territorial department of "Uzdavneftgazinspeksiya", the regional emergency management department, and "Hududgaz" Fergana's gas supply branch.

The group's primary task is to evaluate the compliance of automobile gas compressor stations (AGTCS), automobile gas filling stations, and automobile gas stations with industrial, fire, and environmental safety regulations. The condition of fuel storage tanks and adherence to legislative norms will also be scrutinized.

Furthermore, staff working at gas filling stations across the region will undergo specialized training at the regional emergency management department's training center. Stations found in violation of safety regulations may face temporary closure or revocation of their operating licenses. The inspection and evaluation process is expected to conclude by December 25.

While these measures are crucial for Fergana, questions remain about the broader implications. Why limit these inspections to one region? Does it require a catastrophic explosion in each area to prompt action?

The hope is that the steps outlined in the governor's order will extend beyond paperwork and lead to tangible improvements in safety standards. The responsibility lies with all involved entities, from the regional administration to the emergency management agencies, to ensure such a tragedy does not recur. Most importantly, those accountable for the explosion must face justice.

QALAMPIR.UZ will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates on the investigation and preventive measures.