On September 17, a tragic incident occurred at the "Mustakillik-25" gas field in Surkhandarya's Baysun district, resulting in the loss of four lives. This information was confirmed by Sherzod Asadov, the press secretary for the President of Uzbekistan, in a statement to Daryo.
According to Asadov, the individuals who lost their lives were employees of a subcontractor working at the gas field. Their identities have been established: two were from the Guzor district in Kashkadarya, and the other two were from Baysun. Funerals for the deceased took place on September 18, with support provided by relevant government ministries and agencies to their families.
During a briefing on September 18, representatives from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, along with officials from the General Prosecutor's Office, confirmed the fatalities.
Uktam Utayev, head of the General Prosecutor's Office, stated, "There were two fatalities as a result of the incident, and there are also individuals who sustained injuries. A preliminary investigation is underway, and further information will be provided as it becomes available."
Sherzod Asadov emphasized that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was promptly briefed on the incident, and the President has directed relevant actions while receiving ongoing updates.
Upon notification, ministers and senior officials from pertinent organizations swiftly responded to the scene. Foreign experts were also mobilized to assist local authorities in managing the aftermath of the accident. Detailed updates and additional information are expected to be released by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Energy later today.
The incident stemmed from a technological malfunction during drilling operations at well No. 604 of the "Mustakillik-25" gas field in the "Kolkamish" area of Baysun district on September 1, resulting in the release of hydrogen sulfide gas.
As a precautionary measure, residents living near the gas field were evacuated to ensure their safety. Following direct instructions from Uzbekistan's President, Deputy Prime Minister Ochilboy Ramatov, Minister of Emergency Situations Abdulla Kuldashev, Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Surkhandarya regional governor Ulugbek Kosimov, and Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Bahodir Siddikov promptly arrived at the scene.
An emergency task force comprising relevant ministries and agencies was immediately established to address the situation. While the initial gas leak was contained by 16:50 on September 15, unfortunately, another gas release occurred at the site on September 17.
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