Uzbekistan: Matiz Crash in Navoi Region Injures 14 Children

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A road traffic accident in Uzbekistan’s Navoi region on May 5 at around 09:05 resulted in injuries to 14 minors who were being transported from a family daycare center, according to law enforcement authorities.

The crash involved a Matiz vehicle in the Nurata district. Police said a female driver lost control of the car, after which it overturned. The incident occurred in the “Yangi Hayot” mahalla.

Initial eyewitness reports had indicated that 13 children were inside the vehicle, but updated investigative data confirmed that 14 children were present at the time of the accident. All of them sustained injuries of varying severity and were hospitalized.

Authorities identified the driver as a 34-year-old head of a family daycare center. Investigators established that she did not possess a valid driver’s license and lacked the required driving experience.

Preliminary findings indicate that the driver became distracted while driving, which led to a loss of control and the vehicle overturning. She was taken to a medical facility, where she later died.

Law enforcement officials stated that transporting such a large number of children in a passenger vehicle constitutes a serious violation of road safety regulations. Authorities also noted a lack of adequate parental oversight in allowing this method of transporting minors.

A criminal case has been opened by the investigative department of the Nurata district internal affairs office under Part 2 of Article 266 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which provides liability for violations of traffic safety rules resulting in death.

Investigations are ongoing to determine all circumstances of the incident and to assess the legal responsibility of those involved.