An incident on the M-11 highway in the Novgorod region triggered the closure of the corridor toward Moscow, creating a significant backlog of vehicles. The crash began with a collision between two cars and evolved into a multi-vehicle pileup that affected the flow of traffic for hours. Regional traffic authorities have provided preliminary details outlining the sequence of events that led to the disruption.
Initial reports place the incident at the 504th kilometer mark of the M-11 Neva route. As the two vehicles came together, a truck traveling from behind attempted to brake to avoid the first collision, but a pitch-hauling truck struck him in the rear. The impact set off a chain reaction, with another vehicle colliding into a Renault Duster driven by a female motorist. Following vehicles then crashed into the Renault, expanding the scope of the crash and complicating rescue efforts.
Early information from responders indicates that the Renault Duster driver sustained fatal injuries during the sequence of crashes, which involved about ten other vehicles at the scene. In response to the accident, authorities redirected traffic away from the heavily affected stretch of the M-11 toward the M-10 at the 545th kilometer, in order to restore some movement and reduce congestion on the main artery toward Moscow. Emergency teams were stationed at the site to manage the incident and coordinate the detour plan for approaching traffic.
Official statements from the Novgorod region’s prosecutor’s office note that worsening weather conditions likely contributed to the severity and frequency of crashes along the M-11. Preliminary figures suggested a multi-vehicle incident count that began with a pair of cars and expanded as more drivers lost control or failed to react in time to changing road conditions. The latest assessment from traffic police emphasizes the need for caution among drivers when encountering hazardous weather and reduced visibility on high-speed urban corridors, especially during peak travel periods.
As investigations continue, authorities urge travelers to monitor official channels for real-time updates on road status and detours. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining safe following distances, adapting speed to weather and road conditions, and staying alert to evolving traffic patterns during severe weather. Reported information is subject to change as investigators gather testimonies and review traffic camera footage, with ongoing coordination between regional police, road authorities, and emergency responders. Attribution: regional traffic police and emergency services.