An explosion in the basement of a multi-storey building in the city of Termez in the southernmost part of Uzbekistan has killed two men, the Uzbek general prosecutor's office said on Monday.

The incident occurred when the two men entered the basement and switched on the light, thus charging accumulated carbon monoxide inside the basement, according to the office.

Pre-investigation checks have been started at the site of the explosion, which is used as a warehouse by a local private firm.