Replacing a chimney at night turned into a fire tragedy

A painful incident was recorded in the “Sheykhoncha” mahalla. The district prosecutor’s office provided the information.

According to the report, the tragedy occurred on the night of 19 July. While everyone was asleep, several workers who had stayed on the job near the bakery set out to relocate the chimney. They were doing this using improvised tools.

The bakery was said to belong to an individual entrepreneur. For that reason they may have been rushing at night. The workers decided not to leave the job until morning but to finish it right away.

The chimney had previously stood lower. Because the internal exhaust (carbon monoxide smoke) was not venting properly, it was planned to change its position. It needed to be raised higher.

The chimney cap was joined to a long metal pipe. Several men lifted it by hand. An error was made in judging the height.

Neighbors say an electrical transmission line runs nearby and could be seen beforehand. But at night it is hard to judge distance precisely. Lighting was insufficient.

It was noted that the power lines ran at roughly 3.5 meters. This was a high‑voltage line. Contact with it is extremely dangerous.

As the chimney was being raised, the metal edge struck the wire. In an instant an open electric circuit formed. Sparks flew.

Four men entered the circuit at the same time. They were hit hard by the current. The event was brief but fatal.

Two people died immediately at the scene. The other two collapsed to the ground in serious condition. It is said that blackened marks were visible.

Neighbors hurried to call for help. Emergency medical services and electrical crews were summoned. Everyone was alarmed.

Until the electrical equipment was shut off it was difficult to approach the victims. The danger remained. Every minute counted.

After utility workers isolated the line, rescuers removed the injured. Two men who still had a pulse were sent to the hospital. Their condition was assessed as severe.

Doctors carried out resuscitation measures. It was said that several defibrillation protocols were applied. Full confirmation has not yet been given.

The bodies of the deceased were sent for forensic medical examination. The degree of bodily injuries and electrical marks is being studied. The estimated voltage at the time of the incident will also be evaluated.

The two surviving workers have been admitted to the hospital ward. A court‑related medical examination has been ordered for them. Their health status is under observation. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!