Uzbekistan faces alarming rise in carbon monoxide deaths

The first incident occurred on November 18 at approximately 7:30 AM in the Iskovut neighborhood of the Pop district. A 36-year-old man, identified as A.B., along with his 9-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning in their residence. A.B.'s wife, G.M., was also exposed to the gas but survived after receiving critical medical treatment at the district medical center. Her condition has since stabilized.

Authorities in the Pop district have launched a pre-investigation inquiry to determine the precise circumstances of the incident.

The second tragedy was reported on November 12 at 5:00 PM in Kogon City, Bukhara region. A 36-year-old woman and her 12-year-old son were found dead in their home on Khiva Street due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigations into this case are also underway.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office spokesperson, Hayot Shamsutdinov, both incidents involved the use of makeshift heating stoves that emitted lethal carbon monoxide. These stoves, fueled by natural gas, were installed to heat the homes.

Earlier this year, similar cases were reported in Nukus, where a couple and their guest died, and in Bekobod, where a father and son lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Authorities are urging the public to prioritize safety by ensuring proper ventilation and using certified heating systems to prevent further tragedies.