Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The work to close the well at the "25 Years of Independence" gas field (M-25) in the Baysun district of Surkhandarya Province is expected to be completed in the coming days, according to Samandar Hikmatullaev, Deputy Head of the Press Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Uzbekistan, during a press conference on 11 September.

It is worth noting that since 1 September, there has been a hydrogen sulfide leak at the site. Hikmatullaev explained that natural gas is under high pressure between horizontal layers that hold it. The gas primarily consists of methane and also contains propane, butane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and other components.

"During drilling and fracturing of the layer, gas can be released under high pressure, which sometimes leads to accidents, fires, and explosions," he clarified.

"This well is in the development stage. On 1 September, when the leak began, the MES, Uzbekneftegaz, and other responsible organizations promptly evacuated residents from several settlements," Hikmatullaev noted.

"To prevent the spread of gas to residential areas, an additional well was drilled near the drilling equipment, and the gas was ignited. This is a global practice," he added.

He also mentioned that a national commission has been established to address the issues of "gas containment and compression." The primary work is being carried out by the Uzbekneftegaz company, and a joint headquarters has been organized to coordinate actions.

Samandar Hikmatullaev stated that some of the evacuated residents have started returning home. He emphasized that there have been no mass cases of poisoning, although some people who returned to tend to livestock are experiencing mild poisoning and are receiving necessary medical assistance.

The work to close the well will be completed in the coming days, he concluded.