Workers defend detained Pavlodar deputy after six deaths at Aktogay-Milk
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Employees of Aktogay-Agro and Aktogay-Milk have publicly supported detained Pavlodar regional maslikhat deputy and group head Alexander Terentyev. The collective warned that his arrest could halt production, cut jobs, and derail investment projects. The appeal follows a July 20 accident at Aktogay-Milk that killed six workers.
Key Facts
- Six employees died on July 20 at Aktogay-Milk in Aktogay district after hydrogen sulfide exposure in a sewer well.
- Alexander Terentyev, a Pavlodar regional maslikhat deputy and head of the Aktogay group, is in custody along with the executive director and an occupational safety engineer.
- The collective says the enterprises employ more than 600 village residents and their families.
- Planned projects include a milk processing plant of up to 100 tonnes per day and a potato growing and processing venture with a Chinese company.
- The workers say families of the deceased received material assistance and obligations under mediation agreements were fully met.
The Appeal
Employees of Aktogay-Agro and Aktogay-Milk asked the court to release Terentyev from custody. They argued that a non-custodial measure would let him participate in the investigation and manage the enterprises. The collective warned that a management vacuum could stop production, cut jobs, and derail investment projects. They stressed they do not oppose an objective investigation into the tragedy.
The Accident
On July 20, a worker was poisoned by hydrogen sulfide in a sewer well at Aktogay-Milk in Aktogay district. Colleagues descended one after another to help and were also exposed to the gas. Six people died and one worker was placed under medical observation. The workers said families of the victims received material assistance and mediation agreements were fully honoured.
Business Impact
The company is in the middle of the harvest campaign and a mass calving period. Construction of a cowshed and animal housing area must be completed. Plans included a milk processing plant of up to 100 tonnes per day and a potato project with a Chinese partner. The enterprises provide work and income for more than 600 village residents and their families.
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