The toll road operating company IRS has confirmed the deaths of two traffic police officers who were reportedly caught in an avalanche in the Varzob district. News of the incident first surfaced on social media on January 1.
The company, which is responsible for maintaining the Dushanbe–Chanak highway and collects tolls from drivers for its services, expressed condolences to the families of Farrukh Hasanzoda and Saidmurod Ghanizoda. In an official statement, IRS said the officers “died in the line of duty.”
According to Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, known locally as Radio Ozodi, the bodies of the two officers have been handed over to their families. Farewell ceremonies were held on January 2: Farrukh Hasanzoda’s farewell took place in Dushanbe’s Firdavsi district, and Saidmurod Ghanizoda’s farewell took place in his native Fayzobod district.
Earlier, the national weather agency had issued warnings of avalanche risks along the Dushanbe–Chanak highway, particularly near the Maikhoura section of Varzob district.
Heavy snowfall and avalanches have severely disrupted traffic on the only major route connecting the capital with northern regions of the country. Many drivers have shared videos on social media showing that traffic is limited to a single lane in some areas, with long delays forcing them to wait for hours for roads to be cleared.
Despite the challenges, IRS maintains that the highway remains open.
