Negligence by gas workers led to blast that killed seven family members in Samarkand

The Samarkand City Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Zarifa Akhmedova, announced the verdict against the head of the city branch of Hududgaz Samarkand and three of its employees, the “Zamon” news program reported.

According to case materials, before the tragic explosion, the homeowners had contacted the gas company 11 times over the smell of gas, yet their appeals were ignored.

Court documents show that in September–October 2024, gas supply works for homes along Spitamen Street and around house No. 160 were carried out without proper design documentation or technical specifications. Hired workers illegally laid a gas pipeline under the roadway without the required safety coating or approvals, and the pipeline was connected to the network unlawfully.

Investigations revealed that the pipe had seven holes through which natural gas leaked into the central sewer well, leading to the explosion.

The defendants – the head of the Samarkand city branch of Hududgaz Samarkand and three employees – were found guilty under Article 116, Part 4 (a, b) of the Criminal Code (failure to perform professional duties properly). They were each sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment and banned for three years from holding positions of responsibility or financial accountability in state-owned enterprises and organizations.

Additionally, the gas supply company was ordered to pay nearly UZS 6 billion in compensation to the victims.

The explosion occurred on the night of 8–9 May 2025 in a house located on Spitamen Street in the Bogisarai neighborhood of Samarkand. Seven members of one family were killed, and their bodies were recovered from the rubble.