What was meant to be a relaxing family outing turned into a frightening ordeal for dozens of moviegoers in Abakan, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Khakassia.
More than 30 people, including 20 children, were hospitalized after suffering painful eye injuries during a film screening at the Nautilus Cinema.
A Routine Cleaning Error with Serious Consequences
According to reports from the media outlet Baza, the incident occurred during the showing of the family comedy Daddy’s Daughters (Papiny Dochki).
Early investigations suggest that a cinema employee accidentally left the ultraviolet disinfection lamps switched on while the movie was playing — a simple mistake that had dangerous consequences.
These UV lamps are normally used to sterilize the hall between screenings, but when left running, they can cause severe irritation and burns to the eyes and skin.
Viewers began experiencing pain, tearing, and blurred vision only minutes into the movie.
Medical teams were called in quickly to help, treating 32 people in total.
Witnesses Describe a Scene of Confusion and Pain
People inside the cinema said the discomfort started subtly but escalated rapidly.
“At first, everyone thought it was just bright light from the screen,” one attendee shared online.
“But soon, people started rubbing their eyes and complaining they couldn’t see clearly.”
The audience was quickly evacuated once staff realized what had happened, and ambulances arrived to transport those affected to local hospitals.
Fortunately, officials confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
Investigators Step In to Determine Accountability
Authorities in Khakassia wasted no time in responding.
A criminal investigation has been launched to determine exactly how the incident happened and who is responsible.
Law enforcement officers have already begun questioning staff at Nautilus Cinema and inspecting its cleaning and disinfection equipment.
Early reports indicate that the worker responsible for switching off the lamps could face charges for negligence and violating safety protocols.
Public Outcry Over Lax Safety Measures
The incident has caused a wave of anger across social media, where residents are calling for stronger safety standards in cinemas and other public entertainment venues.
Many expressed disbelief that such a preventable mistake could endanger so many, especially children.
Health experts have also weighed in, warning that UV disinfection systems must be handled with extreme caution.
When used improperly, they can cause burns, eye damage, and even long-term vision problems.
Officials Promise Stricter Oversight
In response to public concern, Abakan authorities have ordered immediate inspections of all local cinemas to ensure they comply with safety and sanitation regulations.
Officials emphasized that protecting children and families must remain a top priority.
“We will make sure this never happens again,” one local official said.
“Public venues must guarantee both cleanliness and safety — not one at the expense of the other.”
A Closer Look at Abakan
Abakan, a city located in the central part of the Minusinsk Depression, sits at the confluence of the Yenisei and Abakan Rivers.
It serves as the capital of Khakassia and had a population of about 165,000 residents as of the last census.
Known for its natural landscapes and cultural history, the city rarely sees such unsettling headlines — making this cinema accident all the more shocking to locals.