Four technical support staff members at the Marhamat District Medical Association in the Andijan province tragically lost their lives while cleaning and repairing a sewage collection tank, the district mayor’s office press service announced.
The incident occurred on June 10 at approximately 11:00 AM on the grounds of the medical facility.
According to the provincial prosecutor's office, security guards L. Kosimov and K. Mamajonov, driver I. Nishonov, and electrical engineer M. Matkholikov entered the wastewater and waste storage bunker to carry out cleaning and maintenance work. While inside, they succumbed to toxic fumes and collapsed into the liquid waste, dying at the scene.
Rescue teams later recovered the bodies from the tank. Forensic medical exams and other necessary tests have been ordered to establish the exact cause of death and piece together the circumstances. The Ministry of Health noted that preliminary findings point to hydrogen sulfide poisoning, combined with mechanical asphyxiation caused by the liquid blocking their upper airways.
The office’s initial assessment suggests that the fatal accident was likely caused by a failure to comply with mandatory occupational safety regulations.
On June 10, the investigative team of the Marhamat District Police Department opened a criminal case under Article 257, Part 2, paragraph "a" of the Criminal Code (Violation of labor protection rules resulting in death).
"The investigation is under strict oversight. Based on its findings, the accountability of specific individuals will be determined, and a lawful decision will be ensured," the Andijan Provinceal Prosecutor's Office stated.
Unverified reports had previously circulated on social media claiming that one employee had fallen into the well during cleaning, and the other three lost their lives while attempting to rescue him.
Following directives from provincial governor Shuhrat Abdurahmanov, two of his deputies arrived swiftly at the scene to evaluate the situation. They visited the homes of all four victims to deliver heartfelt condolences to the grieving families on behalf of the governor, and coordinated all organizational arrangements for the funerals.
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