Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - The explosion in the "Indenim" shopping center in Denov district of Surkhandarya region was caused by natural gas flowing out of cracks resulting from the corrosion of the gas pipeline passing under the complex and not in operation, and the impact on it spark that is observed when the electrical equipment in the building is turned on. This was announced by the head of the main department of the state fire supervision of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Colonel Olmas Muzaffarov.

He noted that traces of explosives were found in the building, as well as changes characteristic of an explosion, that is, craters and fragments of an explosive device.

The outbreak was caused by natural gas leaking from cracks resulting from the corrosion of a gas pipeline underneath the complex and not in operation, and exposure to a spark that is observed when the electrical equipment in the building is turned on, he said.

The explosion, which occurred in November 2021, killed 2 people. At the same time, 9 were injured of varying severity.

The amount of damage caused made up 22.6 billion soums. The damage was assessed by an independent appraisal organization and other officials. In total, 226 real estate objects were damaged, including 140 residential premises: 76 courtyards and 64 apartments, 5 multi-storey buildings, as well as 86 non-residential premises. The damage to the complex from the total amount is estimated at 14.4 billion soums. Damage coverage is organized by the khokimiyat of Surkhandarya region.