The collision incident in Gelendzhik involved a truck crane and a chain of crashes that left more than a dozen vehicles damaged and a crew member injured. Local traffic authorities quickly reported the event and began the on-site assessment to determine the sequence of impacts and the resulting traffic disruptions. As the scene unfolded, responders organized the perimeter, coordinated with emergency medical teams, and began to document the incident for subsequent investigations. The focus remained on safety, ensuring that bystanders stayed clear of all hazards while crews worked to stabilize the area and secure the involved machinery.
Initial observations indicate that the truck crane, traveling along Novorossiysk Street, triggered a multi-vehicle collision on a series of adjacent stretches. At the address Novorossiyskaya 169, three cars sustained damage including a Gaz, an Audi A6, and a Hyundai Creta. Witnesses described the crane continuing its movement after the first contact, at which point it struck a Mitsubishi that was traveling in the opposite direction near house 136 on the same thoroughfare. The force of the impact caused additional debris and carriages to come apart, compounding the hazard for drivers in the immediate vicinity. In the moments that followed, the crane moved toward Ostrovsky Street and collided with several more vehicles, including a Volkswagen, Renault, two Skodas, a Nissan, a Kia Ceed, as well as another Kia model, creating a chaotic scene across the corridor. The response teams mapped each contact point to reconstruct the critical sequence for later technical analysis and to inform future safety measures for heavy equipment operating on urban streets.
The operator of the crane sustained injuries during the incident and received medical attention at the site before being transported to a hospital for treatment. The condition of the driver required prompt, ongoing monitoring, reflecting the seriousness of crane-related accidents and the need for rigorous safety protocols for heavy equipment in motion near populated areas. Emergency personnel reported that the injuries were non-fatal but significant enough to necessitate hospital care, and they conveyed care and support during all stages of transport and handover to medical staff. The event underscored the delicate balance between rapid response and secure, controlled handling of large construction machines in active city streets, where miscommunication or equipment failure can have broad consequences.
Officials noted that the crash occurred at a high speed, with the crane losing control and then colliding with multiple vehicles in quick succession. Preliminary investigations pointed to a brake failure in the truck crane as a potential contributing factor. While inquiries continue, this detail has prompted a review of maintenance records and safety checks for similar equipment operating in crowded zones. Investigators will examine the truck crane’s maintenance history, braking performance, and load management to determine whether mechanical defects or human factors played a role in the incident. The findings will inform recommendations for operators, inspectors, and municipal planners who oversee heavy equipment in urban settings.
Following a thorough assessment, Gelendzhik State Traffic Inspectorate announced that traffic on Novorossiysk Street had returned to normal, with lanes reopened and normal flow restored as crews completed debris removal and vehicle recovery. The near-term focus shifted to clearing the roadway safely, verifying the integrity of nearby infrastructure, and ensuring all service routes remained accessible for residents and deliveries. Traffic officers continued to monitor the area for any residual hazards, guide motorists through detours if necessary, and document the evolving conditions for public safety updates. Community members were advised to exercise caution when driving in the affected corridor while the full incident report was being compiled and reviewed by the relevant authorities.
As a broader context, the Gelendzhik incident followed a separate report of a heavy vehicle collision near major highways in the region, illustrating the ongoing challenges that cities face when large machinery intersects with densely trafficked roadways. Authorities emphasized the importance of stringent vehicle maintenance, immediate reporting of any brake or steering anomalies, and strict adherence to operating limits when maneuvering heavy equipment near other vehicles and pedestrians. The public is urged to stay mindful of construction zones and to follow official guidance during disruptions, as the region continues to assess and enhance its safety protocols based on incidents of this nature. In the meantime, officials encouraged motorists to stay patient and attentive, allowing emergency teams to complete their work and restore efficient travel as swiftly as possible. The incident is being treated as a High Priority in the ongoing review of urban crane operations and road safety practices in the area, with a full report expected after comprehensive analysis by traffic and accident investigators.