The number of vehicles involved in the mass collision on the M-11 Neva highway within the Novgorod region climbed to 41. District traffic police confirmed there were 14 people injured and one fatality, according to reports from TASS. The incident prompted an urgent response from emergency services and local authorities as investigators began to piece together the sequence of events that led to the pileup.
Among the injured were five people who were admitted to hospital, including four children, the youngest being 2 years old. Concussions were reported as a common outcome among those hospitalized. In contrast, nine individuals declined hospitalization despite the severity of the incident, choosing to seek medical attention at outpatient facilities or to monitor symptoms at home. Paramedics and medical teams continued to assess victims on-site and coordinate with hospital staff for ongoing care where needed.
Authorities are examining weather conditions as a contributing factor. A preliminary report from the district attorney’s office notes that harsh weather may have played a significant role in reducing visibility and road traction at the time of the collision. The only confirmed fatality was the Renault Duster driver, who lost control and crashed into a truck, causing a chain reaction that involved multiple other vehicles on the highway.
Traffic was halted at the 504th kilometer marker of the M-11 Neva, resulting in a traffic jam stretching about four kilometers. Law enforcement and road services directed affected motorists to detours, including routes onto the M-10 “Russia” highway to alleviate congestion and ensure emergency access to the scene for responders and recovery crews.
In related traffic news, reports indicate that the Lefortovo tunnel in Moscow experienced a separate blockage due to a mass accident involving a concrete mixer. Officials are assessing cross-city traffic impacts and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in challenging weather and peak travel periods. Investigators will continue to gather evidence, review dashcam footage where available, and interview drivers and witnesses to clarify the sequence of events and determine if any additional factors contributed to the incidents.