Major traffic crash in Kaluga under investigation as drug use is confirmed
A serious collision in the center of Kaluga left eleven people injured when a driver, allegedly under the influence of drugs, lost control of a Toyota and struck pedestrians. The incident occurred on a weekday afternoon along Kirov Street, drawing swift response from local authorities and residents alike.
Authorities confirmed that the driver was arrested shortly after the crash. Early medical assessments indicated he was in an inebriated state due to drug intoxication, and a formal toxicology report is expected to substantiate those findings. Officials stressed that the offender will face severe sanctions in line with the law, as the case moves through the judicial process.
The governor of the Kaluga Region, Vladislav Shapsha, shared updates via his Telegram channel, stating that investigators would pursue accountability vigorously. He noted that a criminal case has been opened and that the regional Investigative Committee would lead the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Witness descriptions and initial forensic reviews point to the driver losing control and veering onto the curb, leading to the mass casualty scenario. Among those injured are three children, and medical teams were deployed to provide urgent care at the scene and to transport victims to healthcare facilities for further treatment.
Officials recalled that the driver had previously faced penalties for driving with declared drug impairment, a detail that has heightened concerns about road safety and the effectiveness of rehabilitation and enforcement measures. The case has raised discussions about how best to prevent recurrences and protect pedestrians in busy urban streets.
In related news, regional police reported ongoing investigations into several other traffic-related events, including incidents involving migrants and law enforcement officers in separate episodes. The nature of these events is being reviewed by authorities to determine appropriate actions and any necessary policy adjustments to traffic safety and incident response procedures.
As the Kaluga investigation advances, authorities emphasize transparency and cooperation with the public. Updates will be issued as more facts become available, and legal proceedings will continue to unfold to determine the full extent of responsibility and any penalties associated with the driver’s actions. The region remains focused on safeguarding pedestrians and reinforcing strict standards for driver behavior in urban centers, especially when substances may affect a driver’s abilities. The incident is being documented for official records and future reference in road safety assessments. Sources for these updates are provided by regional government channels and official law enforcement briefings. (Attribution: Kaluga regional communications and law enforcement reports)