One of those injured in a Qubodiyon fuel station blast died.

Faizali Nazarzoda, the head physician of the Qubodiyon-based Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Friendships’ Health Complex, says the man died yesterday afternoon.   

“He was in terminal condition.  All his vital organs were damaged,” Nazarzoda said.

According to him, another victim being in intensive care is also in serious condition.  

“He has burns on 45 percent of his body surface area and doctors are fighting for his life,” the doctor said.  

Fourteen people were injured Monday (February 21) afternoon as an explosion occurred in a fuel station in the administrative center of Qubodiyon district in Khatlon province.

Eight of them were admitted to the Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Friendships’ Health Complex; two of them being in serious condition placed in the intensive care unit.  As it was said above, one of them died.  Another patient was reportedly discharged

Six others were admitted to the Qubodiyon central district hospital; three of them -- Rajab Mallayev -- is in serious condition and is currently in intensive care.  He reportedly has burns on almost 90 percent of his body surface area.

The remaining five persons received medical treatment and were discharged from the hospital the same day.  

Senior representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP) arrived in Qubodiyon yesterday night to get acquainted with process of treatment of the injured persons.

 The blast occurred in the fuel station Monday afternoon, between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, the deputy chairperson of Qubodiyon district, Alijon Tojiyev, told Asia-Plus in an interview.

According to him, six fire crews from Qubodiyon, Dousti, Shahritous and Nosir-Khusrav districts were involved in extinguishing the fire.

The fuel station completely burned down.  Firefighters, however, managed to prevent the explosion of another 10 ton gas tank.  

The cause of the fire is under investigation.