In the early hours, helicopters from the Center for Disaster Medicine and the Ministry of Emergency Situations were dispatched to the site of a major collision on the M-11 Moscow–St. Petersburg toll highway, near the Novgorod region. The arrival of air units underscored the seriousness of the incident and the need for rapid medical response and scene stabilization as crews moved toward the location.
The authorities indicated that the helicopters were approaching the scene as part of a coordinated response by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the disaster medicine teams. This aerial involvement complemented ground operations and helped establish initial assessments of casualties and needs at the site.
Officials reported that a mobile heating unit from the ministry was deployed at the mass casualty scene. This resource was positioned to support responders and any injured persons during the evolving emergency, particularly in cold weather conditions that can complicate treatment and triage at outdoor sites.
At about 526 kilometers along the M-11, a severe crash involved a large number of vehicles. It was later confirmed by the regional governor that the incident affected roughly 50 trucks and passenger cars. The scale of the crash prompted extensive traffic management measures and a rapid deployment of rescue assets across multiple lanes and shoulders of the highway.
As the situation developed, authorities announced that traffic toward Moscow on the M-11 was being rerouted. The exit to St. Petersburg on the same corridor was temporarily closed at kilometer 545 while emergency crews worked to assess the scene, assist survivors, and clear the roadway. The pause in traffic aimed to reduce further risk to travelers and to accelerate the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Legal and investigative steps followed as both the regional prosecutor’s office and the regional investigative team conducted on-site inquiries. These investigations are standard in the wake of large-scale crashes and are intended to determine the causes and contribute to measures that can prevent recurrences in the future.
Earlier reports noted that a separate incident involved six vehicles in the Kaliningrad region on a different route, highlighting that road safety remains a critical concern across the country. Officials stressed the importance of robust incident response, timely medical care, and rigorous investigative processes to ensure accountability and improved safety protocols for heavy traffic corridors like the M-11.
Rescue personnel and medical teams worked through the continuing hours to triage passengers, stabilize those in need, and arrange transportation to medical facilities. The coordinated effort between aviation assets, ground responders, and medical staff aimed to minimize casualties and support families affected by the crash. Updates from officials emphasized that as more information became available, instructions for motorists would be adjusted to reflect current road conditions and safety advisories.
In the broader context, the incident underscored the value of integrated emergency response plans that bring together airlift capability, mobile support stations, and rigorous investigative oversight. The collaboration among the disaster medicine center, the ministry, regional authorities, and law enforcement demonstrated a systemic approach to managing major highway emergencies. Officials reiterated their commitment to transparent communication with the public and to continuing to monitor the scene until authorities declare it fully secure and all clear has been given.