Government commission to investigate fire and explosion in Bukhara region

July 10, 2008

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan, in the night of 10 July 2008, an ignition occurred at the rocket and artillery depot of the Defense Ministry’s military unit in Kagan district of Bukhara region, resulting in fire and explosion of the ammunition at the depot.

On receiving the information about the fire, the regional Interior Affairs Department and the Defense Ministry troops cordoned the area of the accident. The civilians living nearby were evacuated.

Soldiers of the Defense Ministry, as well as staff of the regional emergency and interior ministries have been attracted to neutralize the emergency.

According to preliminary data, 3 people were killed and 21 injured as a result of the explosions. All of the victims are being provided with necessary medical care.

A government commission consisting of heads of the Government, the National Security Service, General Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Internal Affairs and other structures has been set up to neutralize the situation, conduct the necessary security measures and provide assistance to the victims.

The commission has begun the investigation of the causes of the accident.