Fergana gas station explosion: Owner sentenced to 5 years

The perpetrator behind the deadly explosion at a gas station in the city of Fergana, Fergana region, has been sentenced. QALAMPIR.UZ reviewed the official court document related to the case.

The incident occurred at the private enterprise “HK Fergana Layli Nakhor,” operated by Mansur Matkarimov. He had illegally installed propane gas filling equipment for vehicles, along with one 5-ton and two 2.5-ton gas storage tanks, on the premises without the necessary permits or documentation.

Matkarimov also carried out the installation with the help of acquaintances, bypassing legal procedures. In December 2024, he illegally purchased propane gas from another LLC, which was not licensed to sell propane, and began selling it to vehicle owners. On December 16, 2024, he purchased 19.8 tons of propane gas worth 158 million soums from the same company. The gas was delivered to the station on December 17, 2024, at 12:45. During the filling process, a 5-ton container ruptured, causing a gas leak that led to a powerful explosion.

The blast resulted in the death of one person at the scene, while several others were hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. Despite medical efforts, three more victims later died in the hospital. In total, four people lost their lives as a result of the explosion.

The case was reviewed by the Fergana District Court for Criminal Cases. The court found Mansur Matkarimov guilty under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including:

Article 190, Part 5 (engaging in business without a license)
Article 228, Part 2 (forgery and use of false documents)
Article 257, Part 2, Item “b” (violation of labor protection rules)
Article 259, Part 2, Items “a” and “b” (violation of fire safety rules)

Matkarimov was sentenced to 5 years in prison and prohibited from engaging in any entrepreneurial activity for the next 3 years.

Additionally, the court ordered him to pay a total of 1 billion 240 million soums in moral damages (310 million soums to the legal representatives of each of the four deceased) and 2 billion 358 million soums in compensation to 12 civil plaintiffs.