Schoolboy killed in crash after attending Andijan Guinness record event, family blames officials for mobilizing students

A tragic traffic accident has claimed the life of a 15-year-old schoolboy following a massive cultural event in Andijan region. On June 23, a total of 20,000 people gathered at the regional central stadium to set a Guinness World Record by simultaneously performing the traditional "Andijan polka" dance. Farrukh Nematov, an eighth–grade student at School No. 14 in Asaka district, was among the participants and died from injuries sustained in a crash while returning home from the venue.

According to details emerging from the investigation, organizers had actively recruited local school children to reach the target number for the record attempt. Following the conclusion of the performance, Nematov and five of his classmates boarded a Damas car driven by their school principal. While making a left turn at an intersection, the car was struck by a ZIL cargo truck, causing the smaller vehicle to overturn. Nematov sustained severe injuries and passed away in the hospital the following day, June 24.

Durdona Qosimova, the victim's grieving mother, stated that school authorities had pressured families to ensure attendance at the stadium. She explained that the class teacher had urgently requested her son's participation the day prior. The family had anticipated that proper, specialized buses would be arranged to handle the transportation of the children safely.

Responding to claims that the students had boarded the car without authorization, family members clarified that the designated transport bus left the venue while the children were still changing out of their performance attire. Left stranded, the school principal decided to transport the remaining group in his personal Damas. The subsequent collision injured a total of six students, two of whom remain hospitalized.

The mother noted that teachers from the school donated blood during her son's grueling six–hour operation, but doctors were unable to save him. Describing him as her eldest son, she called for those responsible for the logistical and safety oversights to face full legal accountability.

Official government agencies and local departments have not yet issued public statements regarding the incident. A formal inquiry is currently being conducted by law enforcement authorities to determine fault.