The authorities in St. Petersburg and the Main Directorate of the Leningrad Region reported a fatal incident involving a Lada Niva during a river crossing in the Kirov district. The report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation states that the event occurred in the Nazia River during the night of April 9. A car full of people was observed to have entered the water, prompting a rapid emergency response from police and rescue teams.
According to the responding officers, a 27-year-old man was found at the scene. He stated that he and his friends attempted to cross the Nazia River by traveling from the Murmansk highway toward the village of Priladozhsky. An unforeseen moment arrived when the vehicle began to submerge quickly into the depths of the river. The front passenger, who was seated in the front of the car, managed to escape and swim away from danger. However, the 27-year-old driver and a 24-year-old passenger did not survive the swift rise of water pressure and were unable to exit the vehicle in time.
Later on the same day, divers and officers recovered the two bodies from the river. The SUV carrying the deceased was brought to the riverbank, and authorities continued to inspect the site as part of the ongoing investigation and verification of the incident details. The case remains under review by local law enforcement to determine the exact sequence of events and any contributing factors that led to the crossing attempt and the subsequent drowning.
Earlier reports noted an unrelated incident in Moscow where a Mercedes driver reportedly removed a license plate to avoid traffic in a bus lane, a detail that has been referenced in a broader discussion of roadway safety and enforcement actions. Officials emphasize that any attempts to circumvent traffic laws can have serious consequences, including the risk of life-threatening outcomes for drivers and pedestrians alike. In this case, authorities are focusing on safety measures for river crossings and the dangers associated with attempting to cross waterways in vehicles, especially in low-visibility conditions.
The investigation continues, with authorities reviewing witness statements, examining vehicle condition, and assessing environmental factors such as water current, depth, and temperature at the Nazia River. Community officials remind residents to exercise caution near water bodies and to report dangerous driving situations promptly. The incident underscores the importance of choosing safe routes and respecting barriers or warnings when crossing rivers, bridges, or other water obstacles. The findings will be released as the investigation progresses, with updates expected from the regional police department and the ministry in charge of internal affairs.