Gas station manager in Fergana explosion sentenced to five years

The explosion occurred on December 17, 2024, at a propane-fueled CNG station in the city of Fergana, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and causing material damage amounting to 4.8 billion UZS, according to the court verdict reviewed by Kun.uz.

As stated in the court ruling, 19 cars, four apartment buildings, and the gas station's own facilities were damaged. The total losses amounted to 4 billion 786 million UZS. Among the damaged vehicles were: 2 Nexia, 3 Tracker, 3 Lacetti, 5 Cobalt, and one each of Equinox, BYD, BMW X3, Li 9, Kia K8, and MAN.

Mansur Matkarimov, head of the private enterprise Farg‘ona Layli Naxor, partially admitted his guilt in court.

He explained that in January 2024, he reached an oral agreement with company founder Azizkhoja Mavlonov to lease the CNG station. Under this arrangement, he would not pay monthly rent but agreed to transfer half of the annual profit at the end of the year.

In August, he decided to begin selling propane in addition to gasoline. To do this, he prepared a section of the gas station, carried out repairs, and installed new equipment, including three tanks. He did not inform the company’s owner about these actions.

Installation work was carried out under the supervision of Bahodir Tojimатов and was completed by the end of November. However, mandatory inspections by Uzgas and other regulatory bodies were not conducted. Matkarimov claimed he submitted an application through the public services center (TsON) but could not recall who prepared the equipment documentation.

Propane sales began on November 24. A few days before the explosion, he ordered 10 tons of gas from a transporter via Telegram, formalizing the order through his accountant.

He stated that at the time of the incident, he had turned off the compressor and was heading to the cashier's desk when the explosion occurred. He then began evacuating people and tried to prevent bystanders from entering the danger zone. Upon seeing a man on fire, he brought a fire extinguisher, helped extinguish the flames, and called for emergency medical services.

Matkarimov expressed regret, stated that he did not intend for such consequences, and asked the court for leniency, noting that he had partially compensated the damages caused.

According to the verdict of the Fergana District Criminal Court dated June 24, 2025, Mansur Matkarimov was sentenced to five years in prison and banned from engaging in business activities for three years. Utkir Madaminov and Davron Kholmatov, who were convicted of forging documents, also received prison sentences. Bahodir Tojimатов, who oversaw construction, was sentenced to restricted liberty.

It’s worth recalling that following the explosion, local residents told Kun.uz that they had previously voiced opposition to the construction of the gas station, but responsible authorities failed to act on their concerns.