Gas explosion in Andijan mosque leaves three dead, ten hospitalized 

"Today, on March 31, at 12:19, the Andijan Province Emergency Department received a report of a gas-air mixture ignition in the ablution room of a mosque located in the 'Mirzo Ulugbek' neighborhood, Yangibozor Street, Izboskan district, Andijan province.

"Two rescue teams and two fire-rescue crews were promptly dispatched to the scene. As a result of the incident, the walls and roof structures of the ablution room sustained damage, though no fire broke out.

"Due to the explosion, three citizens — M. Abdullaev, J. Anvarov, and B. Burkhanov — lost their lives. Ten others — G. Toilokov, A. Abdirayimjonov, H. Zuhriddinov, I. Rahimov, M. Mamaturayimov, I. Shomurodov, K. Kosimov, U. Boltaboev, M. Abdurahmonov, and M. Boltaboev — suffered bodily injuries and were taken to the hospital," the Ministry of Emergency said in a statement.

The regional governor, along with representatives from the Emergency Department, Internal Affairs Department, National Guard, State Security Service, Prosecutor’s Office, "Hududgazta'minot" (regional gas supply), and the district Emergency Situations Department, arrived at the scene to address the aftermath of the incident.

Deputy Prime Minister O. Ramatov, who was in the region at the time of the explosion, and the Minister of Emergency Situations, Major General B. Kudratkhujaev, also traveled to Izboskan district.

Preliminary investigations into the incident are currently underway.