A tragic incident in Uzbekistan has raised urgent questions about electrical safety and public infrastructure security after a small child suffered life-changing injuries.

In the Mingbulak District of Uzbekistan, a 4-year-old boy was severely injured after entering an open transformer substation and being struck by a high-voltage electric current, The Caspian Post reports via Anhor.uz.

The incident occurred in the Jamashuy settlement. According to the child’s father, the boy accidentally entered the unsecured electrical facility and was immediately electrocuted. He was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to specialized medical centers.

Despite intensive treatment efforts, doctors were unable to save both of the child’s arms due to the severity of the injuries.

The case has sparked public concern and criticism. The father claims that responsible authorities failed to provide adequate support or take accountability, prompting him to speak out publicly.

However, the local power distribution company stated that the child entered the transformer station while his father was nearby in a vehicle. Officials added that access to such facilities should be restricted, but locks may have been damaged or removed by unknown individuals.

Financial assistance has since been provided to the family, including around 60 million Uzbek sums from regional electricity services, along with additional support from local authorities.

Following an investigation, a criminal case was opened against the responsible technician. A court sentenced him to two years of corrective labor with a 20% salary deduction and dismissed him from his position.