A recent video captured the moment of a road crash that left Ayrat Rakhmatullin, the Bashkiria health minister, injured. The footage circulated within a VKontakte group named “Mother Karaidel,” and has since drawn widespread attention from the public and regional media alike. The post accompanying the clip suggested a controversial interpretation of the event, hinting that the driver of the vehicle appeared to be acting under the influence of political power rather than as an ordinary road user. This framing sparked online debate about accountability and safety on winter roads.
Officials confirmed that the incident occurred on Friday, December 29, in the mid-afternoon, around 3:00 PM, along the 66th kilometer of the Birsk-Tastuba-Satka highway. The collision involved a Toyota Camry and two Ladas, a Granta and a Largus, all of which sustained damage. Emergency responders arrived to manage the scene and provide aid to those involved, reflecting standard protocol for multi-vehicle incidents on regional highways during adverse weather conditions.
At the time of the crash, Minister Rakhmatullin was traveling in a Toyota Camry that belonged to a state management entity. The minister and two other passengers were transported to the nearest hospital for treatment. Authorities stated that their condition would be monitored, and further medical updates were released as the evaluation continued. The presence of ministry officials bound to public service assets often underscores the risk profile when officials travel in departmental vehicles on high-traffic routes.
Between the responders and the hospital staff, there was a coordinated effort to secure the scene, assess injuries, and ensure the safe transfer of all involved parties. The incident prompted a temporary halt to traffic flow in the immediate area while rescue teams conducted a thorough examination of the wreckage and exchanged information with law enforcement authorities on site. The response likewise highlighted the mobility of regional emergency services in handling complex accidents that involve multiple vehicles and passengers.
According to reports from the regional television channel News, Rakhmatullin sustained a closed fracture of the collarbone along with a traumatic brain injury. Medical professionals described the injuries as significant but non-life-threatening, noting that timely medical intervention is crucial in managing such trauma. The channel’s coverage emphasized the seriousness of the head injury while also confirming that the patient remained under observation in a controlled hospital environment as doctors evaluated recovery prospects and potential follow-up treatments.
Observers and residents on the scene pointed to the winter driving conditions that typically prevail in the area at this time of year. Authorities remind travelers that reduced visibility, slick roads, and sudden changes in grip can contribute to rear-end and side-impact crashes, especially on stretches of highway where traffic speed fluctuates and motorists attempt to navigate icy patches. Road safety officials reiterated the importance of adjusting speed to prevailing conditions, maintaining safe following distances, and using appropriate winter tires to reduce the risk of collisions in harsh weather. The incident serves as a cautionary reminder for all drivers to prioritize cautious driving practices when winter weather is in effect, regardless of the vehicle type or official status of the occupants. The ongoing investigation will aim to determine precise factors that contributed to the crash and to assess whether any violations of traffic regulations occurred before or during the incident.