In a tragic incident in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a 32-year-old postwoman named Olga Leontyeva was found dead after being stuck in a lift for three days. The incident reportedly occurred on July 24 while she was delivering mail in the city. According to reports, the lift stopped working due to a power cut. However, the Regional Electricity Networks enterprise has denied any power cuts on the day of the incident, stating that the malfunction of the lift caused the tragic situation.
Media reports suggested that Olga Leontyeva cried for help from the ninth-floor balcony of the building, but unfortunately, no one came to her aid. The Chinese-manufactured lift was reportedly in working order but had not been registered according to government rules. The lift had been experiencing regular technical issues, and breakdowns were common, as per the Tashkent General Prosecutor’s Office.
An investigation into the incident has been launched by the prosecutor’s office, and a criminal case has been initiated. State investigators are examining the details surrounding the incident to determine the cause and potential negligence in lift maintenance.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to safety regulations for elevators. Last week, a similar tragedy occurred in Palermo, Italy, where a 61-year-old woman died after getting trapped in a lift during a power cut, wherein she was found dead.
The incident has left Olga Leontyeva’s six-year-old daughter without a mother, highlighting the devastating impact of such accidents on families and communities. Authorities are likely to emphasize the need for improved lift safety measures to prevent future occurrences of such heartbreaking incidents.