Since the beginning of the year, Uzbekistan witnessed 74 household incidents related to the use of natural gas (compared to 86 in 2023), representative of Hududgazta’minot, regional gas supply company, Abdusattor Kayumov said at a briefing on 27 November.

These incidents have resulted in a total of 82 deaths (88 in 2023) and 80 injuries (119 in 2023). Of the fatalities, 75 were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of the incidents occurred in the Fergana, Khorezm and Jizzakh regions.

In some cases, entire families died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty chimneys, the company representative noted.

“Accidents occur because citizens do not fully understand the dangers of carbon monoxide, ignore published warnings, use non-standard, homemade or faulty equipment that does not meet safety standards or fail to properly check or install chimneys and ventilation systems,” Abdusattor Kayumov said.

Hududgazta’minot recommended that consumers use equipment that automatically shuts off gas supply, as well as gas and carbon monoxide detectors for safety.