“In this time of difficulty, on behalf of the people and Government of Turkmenistan, as well as on my own behalf, I kindly ask to express our deepest condolences and words of support to the bereaved families and relatives, as well as wishes to the injured for a speedy recovery,” the message said.

Up until yesterday 44 had died and almost a hundred were reported injured by the explosion, caused by a gas leak.

pgh/llp/jf/mml