Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 10 / Trend , E.Ismayilov/
A state commission will launch in Azerbaijan to investigate gas-use violations and the increasing number of explosions due to gas leaks, a government source told Trend . The decision was made on Jan. 9 during official talks on the economy and gas usage. Officials from various ministries and other government bodies attended.
"A special commission will be established to study these issues," the source said. "Action plans will be submitted by next week."
Due to severe weather conditions this winter, many Azerbaijanis have resorted to using homemade gas heaters in their apartments that do not meet industrial standards. An upswing in the number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases has resulted, as well as blasts caused by gas leaks in residential buildings. Five people died and 5 sustained injuries due to a blast in an apartment building in Baku on Dec. 13. Gas leaks caused four explosions on Jan. 8 alone in Baku. Although there were no casualties, 8 people were injured.
These incidents have killed 30 people. Roughly 200 people have been poisoned as a result, the source said.
Actions plans will be submitted to the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers by the country's only gas distributor Azerigaz, as well as the Emergency Situations Ministry, the Industrial and Energy Ministry and the Baku City Administration. The Interior Ministry will be present during checks at the homes of customers.
Officials of the State Committee on Standardization and Patents, the State Customs Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office attended the meeting. They will participate in any future arrangements.
The primary cause of death and carbon monoxide poisoning in Azerbaijan are gas-use violations, clogged flues and illegally siphoning gas.
Have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected] вв