In Chelyabinsk, a tense incident involving a taxi passenger dispute drew attention after reports that a driver demanded that passengers exit the vehicle, claiming that the women’s weight failed to meet transportation standards. The account was shared with NTV and has been a source of discussion about conduct in urban taxi services.
According to Svetlana and her companions, who called for a taxi along with her daughter and friends, the confrontation began inside the car and escalated into a street altercation. Witnesses describe a scene where harsh language was exchanged, followed by a physical clash that spilled from the vehicle into the curbside area.
“I started with words that crossed the line, so intense that I insulted them. Then he grabbed his daughter. He said, ‘If you don’t come out, I will throw you out.’ He appeared ready to strike, and he aimed a blow toward her face. I shielded myself, and I bear bruises on my arms and elsewhere,” recalled Svetlana, who was injured in the exchange.
The taxi operator, Dmitry, explained that his vehicle is configured as a compact two-passenger back row with an additional non-removable armrest in the middle. He contended that the women attempted to fit three passengers into the back seat, and during the ensuing confrontation, damage occurred to the car as a result of the fight.
“I began to move away, but the car was full and the door wouldn’t close. I had no intention of refusing service, yet the situation carried on in a rude fashion,” Dmitry stated, reflecting on the escalating tension inside the cabin.
Both sides subsequently filed lawsuits over the incident. The passengers pressed charges for assault, while the driver filed claims for damage to the vehicle. It was noted that Dmitry already faced restrictions related to the taxi service, complicating the ongoing dispute.
In a related development, authorities reported a separate incident involving an Audi driver in the Leningrad region who struck a pedestrian who interfered with traffic on the sidewalk, underscoring ongoing concerns about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers in high-pressure situations.