In Barnaul, a chaotic sequence unfolded when a man driving a Honda deliberately blocked a Route 53 bus, then forced his way into the cabin and sprayed the driver in the eyes with pepper spray. Barnaul Incident, a Telegram channel that monitors local events, flagged the incident as a serious assault on public transportation and public safety.
The trouble began in the afternoon on February 3. The Honda driver appeared to cut off the bus just as it was preparing to halt at a stop. After the bus yielded to traffic, the Honda swerved toward the vehicle and produced a spray can, directing the irritant toward the eyes of the bus operator. The attacker then sped away in his car, leaving the scene in a cloud of tension and concern. Emergency crews arrived promptly, and the injured driver was transported to a hospital by ambulance. Medical checks confirmed eye injuries that involved the corneal tissue, an outcome that could carry lasting implications for vision if not managed carefully.
Officials say the assault is under thorough investigation. The police have stated their intent to identify the attacker and to pursue every available lead. The injured driver underwent a forensic medical examination to assess the full extent of the damage and to document injuries for legal and investigative purposes. The investigation has also included interviews with witnesses and a review of nearby surveillance footage where available.
Earlier, in a separate case, a Mercedes driver in Novosibirsk reportedly rammed and squeezed several vehicles at a traffic light before a prohibitory signal. The incident was noted as part of a broader pattern of aggressive driving and road violence in the region. In Moscow, authorities detained a suspect in a separate case involving arson against a vehicle, underscoring ongoing concerns about violent crimes connected to everyday traffic and transportation.