Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Twenty-two students at School No. 51 in Guzar district, Kashkadarya region, were hospitalized with suspected poisoning after a chemical used to accelerate cotton ripening was sprayed nearby, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said.
The incident occurred on 23 September. At around 11:45, the students were taken to the Guzar District Medical Association with complaints of nausea and headaches.
According to the Interior Ministry, the school is located near the Yangiobod mahalla. A total of 88 hectares of land belonging to the Shohmalik Shermurod ugli farming enterprise is located in the area. About 20 hectares of the land directly surrounding the school are used to grow cotton.
A preliminary investigation found that at around 09:00 that day, the farming enterprise sprayed Agro Augron to accelerate cotton ripening. Afterward, 22 students in grades 10 and 11 who were at the school were hospitalized with signs of exposure through the air.
The students were preliminarily diagnosed at the medical facility with gastric dyspepsia syndrome. Seven students are currently continuing inpatient treatment at the Guzar District Medical Association, while 15 others were discharged home after their health improved.
A criminal case has been opened under Part 1 of Article 201 of the Criminal Code. Relevant examinations have been ordered to provide a legal assessment of the circumstances.
The initial investigative measures are being conducted by the Investigation Department of the Kashkadarya Regional Department of Internal Affairs.
