The Ministry of Energy commented on the reports and video footages that circulated on May 5 about a strong underground explosion and a massive flare of smoke and flame in Baysun of Surkhandarya province.

Reportedly, on May 5 at 6:10 a.m. a breakthrough of gas with a high content of hydrogen sulfide under high pressure was recorded at well No. 202 of the Mustaqillik-25 field, as a result of which the flares resumed.

“In order to prevent the spread of gas with a high content of hydrogen sulfide, a controlled annealing of the gas stream was carried out. All necessary measures are being carried out in full compliance with safety measures,” the Ministry of Energy said.

The emergency site has been cordoned off and is under round-the-clock oversight of staff from the Uzbek blowout and gas safety paramilitary unit, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the State Authority for Supervision of Safety in Industry, Mining and Utilities and Offsites, Sanoatkontekhnazorat.

"The incident that occurred does not pose a threat to the public of the surrounding areas," the statement said. The Ministry of Energy did not report whether there were any casualties.

Earlier, on March 27, a gas leak with an increased content of hydrogen sulfide occurred at the same well. At that time, for the sake of environmental safety, a controlled arson of the well was carried out. On April 22, as a result of the collapse of the shaft and the ejection of the flare, the gushing stopped, and a weak gas inflow (griffin) took place at the site.

Foreign experts are also working at the scene to respond to the accident.

Last September, at the same field, but at a different well, No. 604, a man-made accident occurred, leading to a gas leak with an increased content of hydrogen sulfide. As of March of this year, conservation work was ongoing at that facility.