Two 9-year-old children drowned in a pond in Andijan

Another heartbreaking tragedy occurred in the Andijan region. Two young children drowned and parted with life. The incident took place on July 5 at around 14:00. The event happened on the territory of the “Jaloliddin oltin tolasi” farm located in the Oltinkul district. In a seemingly ordinary pond dug for a drip irrigation system, the lives of two children were taken in an instant.

The deceased children — A.U. and M.M., born in 2016, were residents of the “Ors” and “Suvyulduz” neighborhoods, respectively. Both had completed the 2nd grade at general education school No. 17 in the Oltinkul district.

That day, the two were playing together and, intending to cool off in the heat, approached the pond to swim. No one could have imagined that this intention would end in such a tragedy. Sadly, the children sank into the water, and no one could save them. They died at the scene.

It is noted that the pond had no safety signs or fencing. In any situation, such open ponds, accessible to children, can lead to tragic consequences. The lack of safety measures at such sites has repeatedly failed to prevent disasters.

Currently, the relevant law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation. The exact causes of the incident and those responsible for the pond are being determined. The Prosecutor's Office has begun to examine every detail related to public safety.

This tragedy deeply shook not only the families of the victims but also the entire local community. The untimely death of the young children left not only tears but also questions: why was the pond left open? Why was there no fencing, no warning signs, no monitoring system to protect the children?

Parents and residents of the area emphasize the need for constant supervision over such ponds. These open water sources may not only serve for irrigation but can also pose deadly risks to children.

Teachers and school administration shared warm memories of the deceased. They were described as active, polite, helpful to their peers, and responsible students. Their premature loss was a heavy blow to the school community as well.

Child safety remains a pressing issue in society. Yet, in practice, it is often not given enough attention. Irrigation ponds, wells, and open water sources must be equipped with protective barriers, warning signs, and monitoring systems. Recent tragedies involving children in such locations are not rare.

There are legal safety requirements for such ponds. But their enforcement is often unsatisfactory. Farmers, landowners, and agribusiness entrepreneurs must comply with these standards. Otherwise, such tragedies may occur again.

Following the incident, the Oltinkul district administration and public organizations are trying to provide material and moral support to the families of the children. But nothing can bring back the two lost souls.

This event once again shows: the safety of children is the responsibility of not only parents but the entire society. Each of us must do our part to prevent such cases. The authorities must also strengthen control in this area.

The memory of the children who lost their lives will live forever. They left too soon but delivered a vital lesson to society. That lesson is: never forget about safety. We wish for every child the protection as strong as the sky above.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!