Seven employees of the State Unitary Enterprise (SUE) Obu Korez’s branch in the northern city of Panjakent (Panajeknt municipal waterworks) have died from sewer gas poisoning.

A source within the Panjakent Administration says the tragedy took place Saturday (May 13) evening during the repair of the sewers on the 50-Solagii Tojikiston Street.

Seven employees were reportedly repairing the sewers and two local residents were helping them. 

“Unfortunately, during the repair work the municipal water works’ employees passed out due to the high sewer gas concentrations.  The locals pulled them out and called an ambulance.  The employees, including the Panjakent municipal waterworks head Bahrom Islomzoda and engineer-in-chief of this facility Jamoliddin Nazirov, died on the way to a hospital,” the source said.

Bahrom Islomzoda and Jamoliddin Nazirov were from Danghara district in Khatlon province and their bodies were sent to their hometown.

Five other employees of the Panjakent municipal waterworks – Dilshod Mahmoudov, Ghairat Mustafoyev, Hamroqul Samadov, Rizo Mustafoyev and Saidjon Samadov -- were buried in the cemetery Tagi Qamar in Panjakent Sunday morning.   

Two locals who were helping them – Rustam Bobokalonov and Komiljon Boboyev -- have already been discharged from the hospital, but their condition will be monitored by doctors.  

An investigation in the cause of the accident is under way.