An afternoon tragedy unfolded in Chelyabinsk when a driver, reported to be under the influence, steered a BMW X6 into a crowd on a busy pedestrian stretch. The vehicle collided with several pedestrians who were walking along a crosswalk and near storefronts, sending a wave of panic through the area. Among the victims was a professional hockey player from the Chelmet club and his wife. Eyewitnesses described glass shattering, sirens wailing, and the air filling with dust and shouts as emergency services arrived within minutes. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and began triage on the sidewalk, while police worked to secure the scene. Investigators collected evidence from the roadway, including tire marks, debris, and witness accounts, as they sought to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the crash. The mood in the neighborhood turned somber as neighbors offered blankets and comfort to those shaken by the sudden violence.
Alexey Shchetilin, the goalkeeper of the Traktor hockey farm team, was among the injured. He sustained a leg fracture in the collision and was transported, along with his wife, to a regional hospital for urgent treatment. Medical staff described the injury as a fracture requiring careful stabilization and imaging. Club officials confirmed the player’s condition and noted that he would remain under medical observation as doctors planned treatment. The wife, who sustained injuries as well, received treatment and was reported to be in stable condition. The event hit the hockey community hard in Chelyabinsk, a city where the sport is deeply woven into daily life. Fans sent messages of support, and teammates gathered at the hospital to offer encouragement while medical teams worked to assess and address the injuries.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Kashirinykh Kardeşler and Chicherin streets in Chelyabinsk on a Monday afternoon. The BMW X6 struck a crowd of pedestrians with enough force to damage the car’s front end and force several people backward onto the curb. Onlookers described a chaotic scene as people scrambled to get away from the vehicle and others rushed to assist the wounded. Police reported that the driver did not appear to brake and fled the scene on foot, triggering a manhunt across nearby streets. Initial investigations indicated the driver had been drinking at the time of the crash, and authorities planned a full toxicology examination as part of the case. The car was later recovered, and investigators scheduled mechanical checks and scene analysis to determine how the collision occurred. The intersection was temporarily closed to traffic as emergency crews worked and investigators gathered evidence.
Governor Alexey Teksler announced that a criminal case would be opened against the driver and that the accused would face the fullest possible penalties under the law. He stressed that drunk driving and leaving the scene would not be tolerated and that the investigation would be thorough and transparent. The governor called for patience and assured residents that prosecutors would pursue every lead, question all involved parties, and pursue accountability to the maximum extent allowed by statute. He also signaled that authorities would review traffic safety measures at the busy intersection and consider enhancements such as additional lighting, clearer crosswalks, and traffic calming measures to reduce future risk.
Regional health authorities confirmed five people were injured, including an 11-month-old child. All were hospitalized for treatment, with one patient described as in serious condition. Medical teams reported that after initial stabilization the other patients were in stable condition and were undergoing ongoing care. Emergency responders and hospital staff worked to coordinate care, with specialists from trauma, pediatrics, and emergency medicine involved in the response. The hospital system mobilized extra staff and resources to manage the influx and to support families affected by the incident. Family members were offered counseling and updates as doctors provided information on recovery timelines and procedures.
The incident has spurred discussions about road safety in the region. Local authorities announced plans to intensify enforcement of drunk driving laws, improve conditions for pedestrians in busy areas, and review camera footage and intersection design. Community leaders urged drivers to follow the rules, and residents expressed sympathy for the victims while calling for accountability for the person responsible. The hockey community and local fans pledged support for the injured and their families as services coordinated ongoing aid. The event served as a stark reminder that a moment of impaired judgment can have lasting consequences, underscoring the need for continuous improvements to keep streets safe.
Earlier online clips circulated of a separate collision near Krasnodar, showing a Niva colliding with a KamAZ. The footage renewed public attention to traffic safety and emergency response across regions and underscored the ongoing effort to improve road conditions and reduce the risk of similar accidents.