Ministry of Emergency Situations issues safety appeal after series of gas station explosions

Following a string of explosions and fires at fuel stations across the country, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) has appealed to managers of fuel filling, storage, and transportation facilities to ensure strict compliance with technical and fire safety requirements.

According to the MES, enterprises handling fuels must implement special fire safety procedures, given the high risk of combustion and explosion at such sites. Firefighting equipment should be kept in constant working order, and responsible personnel must be appointed to oversee these measures.

The ministry stressed the need to regularly assess employees’ knowledge and practical skills in responding to fires, and to pay particular attention to safety during the transfer of liquefied gas, gasoline, and diesel fuel into storage tanks.

In addition, the MES urged vehicle owners to have the gas cylinders in their cars checked on time to prevent accidents.

The appeal comes after several recent incidents:

•  In the Shorchi district, Surkhandarya region, an explosion occurred at a gas station.
• In the Jomboy district, Samarkand region, a fire at a gas station damaged KIA Bongo, Damas, and Gentra vehicles.
• In July, an explosion at a gas station in Oltin Dala MFE, Kokdala district of Kashkadarya region, killed four people. Families of the victims received 100 million soums each in compensation. A criminal case was opened under Articles 205 (Abuse of Power or Official Authority) and 259 (Violation of Fire Safety Rules) of the Criminal Code.
•  Earlier this month, another explosion occurred at a gas station in the same area.
•  On August 8, a large fire broke out at a mobile gas station in Urgench, Khorezm region.

The MES reiterated that compliance with safety standards is critical to preventing further tragedies.