Court sentences driver following deadly car explosion in Uzbekistan

A gas cylinder explosion in a Lacetti vehicle in the Rishton district, Fergana region, resulted in the driver receiving a three-year prison sentence.

The incident occurred on July 7, 2024, at approximately 11:40 AM, near the Markaz neighborhood farmers’ market, where the Lacetti’s methane gas cylinder exploded.

At the time of the blast, no one was inside the vehicle, but nearly 20 people nearby sustained various injuries. The explosion also caused a fire, which was quickly extinguished.

The driver had parked near the market and went inside to conduct business, unaware of the impending accident. Tragically, one individual, identified as A.A., suffered severe injuries and later succumbed to them despite medical intervention.

Following an investigation, the Rishton district criminal court found the driver guilty under Article 266, Part 2 of the Criminal Code for violating transport safety regulations. He was sentenced to three years in prison, with an additional three-year ban on operating vehicles.

The court also ruled that the driver must compensate the victims, amounting to 26 million UZS for material damages and 58 million UZS for moral damages.

Earlier, on April 15, 2024, in Margilan, Fergana region, a gas cylinder explosion at a filling station destroyed a Matiz vehicle, marking another hazardous incident involving methane-powered cars.