Media reports indicate that the gas station in Fergana where the explosion occurred is owned by relatives of the head of the Customs Committee.

On December 17, an explosion at a gas station in Fergana resulted in the deaths of four people, including children. According to data from Kun.uz, the gas station is owned by members of the family of Akmalkhodja Mavlonov, the chairman of the Customs Committee.

The media reports that the day after the incident, traffic was restricted on the road in front of the gas station.

One local resident mentioned that gas has been turned off in his home, and he is afraid to use electricity.

“We urge our government to relocate all gas stations in the city away from residential areas to prevent such a terrible incident from happening again,” he said.

“Yesterday, we were informed again that there is still some propane left at the gas station, and that we all must leave our homes. We were forced to go out into the cold with our children, and my youngest child is sick. Why were we left here, in the cold, without gas and electricity?” complained a mother of several children.