The bodies of six Tajik migrants who died in a traffic accident in Kazakhstan on their way to Russia were sent back to Tajikistan on May 22, authorities have confirmed.

Akbarjon Ismailov, the head of the Republican Center of Tajiks in Kazakhstan, told Asia-Plus Friday morning that the refrigerated vehicle carrying the bodies departed from Kazakhstan’s Kostanay region late Thursday.

“We performed the ritual washing of the bodies, wrapped them in shrouds, placed them in coffins, and sent them to Tajikistan in a refrigerated vehicle,” Ismailov said.

The repatriation costs were covered by the Republican Center’s fund, and the bodies are expected to arrive in the victims’ home regions within three days.

As it had been reported earlier, a traffic accident occurred on the Almaty–Yekaterinburg highway in Kazakhstan on the morning of May 20: a Ford Transit vehicle collided with a DAF truck.  There were 10 foreign nationals in the vehicle, six of whom died at the scene.  Another five with various injuries were taken to the Karabalyk district hospital.

According to preliminary findings, the crash occurred due to the negligence of the driver of a Ford Transit vehicle, who admitted during the investigation that he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

All the passengers were residents of the Qubodiyon district of Tajikistan’s Khatlon province.  They were on their way to Russia.

According to the Embassy of Tajikistan in Kazakhstan, the following died in the accident:

• Akhtam Karimov, 36 years old;
• Nazrullo Boqiyev, 24 years old;
• Bakhtigul Boqiyeva, 40 years old;
• Yusuf Solehov, 67 years old;
• Fayoziddin Solehzoda, 35 years old
• Mahmadyunus Aminzoda, 33 years old.

Citizens of Tajikistan traveling to work in Russia often use ground transport routes through Kazakhstan to save money.

In early April, more than 500 citizens of Tajikistan were stuck at the Zhaysan/Sagarchin border crossing point (BCP) on the Kazakhstan-Russia border—they were not allowed entry by Russian border guards.  Some were traveling from Tajikistan to Russia in private cars.

This tragic accident is one of many fatal incidents involving Tajik migrants en route to or from Russia.  Long journeys by road are common among labor migrants seeking work opportunities abroad, especially in Russia, but they also pose serious safety risks.

A deadly trend

The Republican Center of Tajiks in Kazakhstan reports that 36 Tajik migrants have died in Kazakhstan over the first five months of 2025 alone — including the six victims of this most recent crash. All bodies were repatriated.

In 2024, the bodies of 60 Tajik migrants who died in Kazakhstan were sent back to Tajikistan, highlighting the growing dangers faced by migrants traveling through the region.

The community organization continues to assist families in difficult times, but also calls for greater attention to transport safety and support for Tajik citizens abroad.