Tragedy in Khorezm: Scrap metal shell explodes, one dead

The victim, identified as O.B., sustained severe injuries and died on the spot. According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, law enforcement officers and military sappers arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. During further inspection, approximately 30 more shells were discovered at the site.

In a widely circulated video online, the victim's mother described her son as the sole breadwinner of the family and said he left behind two orphaned children. She called for strict punishment for those who sold and delivered the dangerous munitions to the scrap yard.

Initial reports had claimed that the shells were allegedly purchased from military personnel in the Amudarya district of Karakalpakstan. However, the Ministry of Defense has firmly denied these allegations.

In an official statement, the Ministry clarified that the shell involved in the explosion had been illegally unearthed and handed in for scrap by local shepherds acting on their own initiative. “In such situations, citizens must follow safety protocols and immediately notify law enforcement authorities,” the statement emphasized.

The ministry further stressed that the shells in question were not in use by Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces and added that this particular type of munition dated back to the 1970s. It also confirmed that no military personnel were involved or held criminally liable in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, the Military Prosecutor’s Office has launched a preliminary investigation into the matter. Kun.uz has reached out to the General Prosecutor’s Office for further clarification.