A 31-year-old driver from Sariosiyo district in Uzbekistan’s Surxondaryo region has been sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison after he struck three pedestrians at a crosswalk while driving under the influence of alcohol, killing a woman and a child and injuring another minor. The incident occurred on July 25, 2026, at around 21:30 in Uzun district, when the driver, operating a Cobalt, was traveling from the Uzbekistan mahalla toward the Malandiyon mahalla. According to court documents, the driver had consumed alcohol and fled the scene after the collision. The case was heard in the Uzun district court for criminal cases.
Key Takeaways: The driver was found guilty under Article 266, Part 3, Clause “a” (violation of traffic safety rules resulting in death) and Article 117, Part 3, Clause “a” (failure to render assistance to a person in danger, resulting in death) of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. He was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months of imprisonment in a penal colony and deprived of the right to drive any vehicle for 3 years. The victims included a woman and two minors; one child survived with injuries and was hospitalized.
The verdict highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and drunk driving in Uzbekistan, where traffic accidents remain a significant public safety issue. According to official statistics, thousands of road accidents occur annually, many involving alcohol consumption and pedestrian injuries. This case is particularly notable because it involved a hit-and-run and multiple victims, including children. The court’s decision to impose a relatively severe sentence—close to the maximum for such crimes—reflects growing public and judicial intolerance toward reckless driving. The incident also draws attention to the legal framework: Article 266 of the Criminal Code addresses traffic violations causing death, while Article 117 covers failure to provide assistance. The combination of charges is common in cases where drivers flee the scene.
During the trial, the court established that the driver, a resident of Sariosiyo district, was intoxicated at the time of the accident. The collision occurred as the pedestrians were crossing the road at a designated crosswalk. After hitting the woman and two children, the driver did not stop to help but drove away. Emergency services arrived later and transported the injured child to a hospital, where medical personnel diagnosed serious injuries. The woman and one child died at the scene from severe trauma. The court reviewed the evidence and pronounced the sentence under Article 59 of the Criminal Code (imposition of punishment for multiple crimes by partial addition of sentences). The driver was also ordered to serve his term in a general regime penal colony. No information was provided about a possible appeal.
The case has sparked local discussions about the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. While the sentence is significant, advocates for road safety argue that preventive measures—such as increased police checkpoints, public education campaigns, and stricter penalties—are essential to reduce similar tragedies. The Uzun district court’s decision may set a precedent for future cases involving hit-and-run accidents with multiple victims. Meanwhile, the surviving child continues to receive medical treatment, and the community remains in mourning for the deceased. Authorities have not announced any additional safety measures in response to the incident, but the verdict is expected to serve as a deterrent.
Source: www.gazeta.uz