The number of people who died in the collision of two trams in Kemerovo has risen to 140, according to a Telegram channel affiliated with the Investigative Committee for the Kemerovo region. The message summarizes the grim toll and the ongoing response to the tragedy.
According to the report, the crash left the tram driver and more than 140 passengers injured, with one life lost. Medical teams provided all available assistance to the injured, while the surviving passengers received the care they needed in the hours that followed the collision.
Investigators from Russia’s Investigative Committee are actively conducting a range of investigative activities to uncover every aspect of the incident and to determine which officials may bear criminal liability. The focus is on establishing a complete account of how the accident occurred and what maneuvers or decisions may have contributed to it.
The tragedy occurred on Logovaya Highway as one tram collided with another at high speed. Despite doctors’ best efforts, one of the injured could not be saved, underscoring the severity of the crash and the urgent demands it places on emergency response and safety protocols.
In the wake of the incident, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case to examine whether services provided to the public met safety and health standards. The action signals a broader inquiry into compliance with regulations designed to protect passengers and the public from harm.
There is a region-wide telephone line available for updates to relatives of the victims, though the specific contact information has been removed here. The status and welfare of those affected are being monitored as investigators gather statements and inspect the scene and equipment involved.
Officials and operational services have offered preliminary notes on possible causes, including brake failure and human error. In addition, reports from another Telegram outlet have suggested that a tram with braking issues had been taken out of maintenance for a period before the accident. This information is part of the evolving picture being assembled by investigators as they interview witnesses and examine maintenance logs, vehicle records, and timing data from the transit system.
The tram involved in the crash underwent its annual technical inspection in April 2024, a detail that is being reviewed as part of the broader safety assessment. Inspectors will verify whether all required checks were completed and whether any prior maintenance actions could have influenced the event.
Valentin Ivanov, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Transport, has commented that preventing repetition of such incidents depends on thoroughly understanding the underlying causes. The objective is to identify failings, implement corrective measures, and ensure robust safety protocols across the tram network to protect passengers in the future.
Nearby, stories about other crime and safety concerns have circulated in local forums, including reports of device-related violence involving bicycles, which reflect a broader climate of public safety that authorities are watching closely. The focus remains on preserving life and maintaining public trust through transparent investigations and accountable action.