Tashkent Construction Site Collapse Prompts Criminal Case

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Prosecutor General's Office of Uzbekistan has opened a criminal case following the collapse of the edge of an excavation pit at a hotel construction site on Beruni Street in Tashkent's Almazar district. One person was injured in the incident and hospitalized.

As Khayot Shamsutdinov, spokesman for the Prosecutor General's Office, reported, the actions of officials from the company associated with the construction site show signs of crimes under Article 257 of the Criminal Code (violation of occupational safety rules) and Article 192-11 (abuse of power by officials of a non-governmental organization).

A potential victim had previously been reported in video recordings from the scene. However, the Tashkent City Administration had stated that no requests for medical assistance had been received at the time the initial report was published. The city administration also noted that all individuals who violated urban planning legislation and construction standards would be held accountable.

The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services reported that representatives of relevant departments and responsible officials are working at the scene. A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident is currently underway.

As part of the investigation, specialists are examining the compliance of construction work with approved project documentation, adherence to urban planning and technical requirements during excavation, and the execution of occupational health and safety standards.

The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Communal Services promised to provide additional information following the conclusion of the investigation.