The press secretary for the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the cause of the major crash at the 526th kilometer of the M-11 highway in the Novgorod region would be determined by experts. He noted that no special measures were planned in response to the incident. Peskov emphasized that emergency services on the ground were performing their duties swiftly and effectively.
According to the official, it is not the place of those in the briefing room to decide what caused the collision. The determination of the exact factors lies with the investigative teams, who will conduct a thorough review of the scene and the sequence of events that led to the accident.
Peskov reminded the public that winter conditions bring extraordinary challenges for drivers. Very cold temperatures and heavy snowfall require heightened caution to prevent accidents and to protect road users. The reminder underscored the importance of adapting driving behavior to adverse weather and road conditions.
On January 8, at the 526th kilometer of the M-11 highway in the Novgorod region, more than 50 trucks and passenger vehicles collided in what was described as a mass incident. As a result, more than 16 people were injured, including five children, and four fatalities were confirmed, among them a child. The toll highlighted the severity of the conditions and the potential for rapid escalation in high-speed traffic corridors when weather and traffic volumes converge.
In response to the crash, the Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case under clause c of part 2 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code, which covers services or work that fail to meet safety requirements. This procedural step signals the authorities’ commitment to a full inquiry into whether safety protocols, maintenance standards, or other regulations were complied with in the lead-up to the incident.
Following the collision, traffic was halted in the direction toward Moscow along the M-10 corridor, with the exit from the St. Petersburg highway stopping at kilometer 545. The disruption created a significant backlog and prompted authorities to manage detours and ensure emergency access for responders and assistive services. At the time of the report, traffic flow remained constrained while rescue teams, investigators, and traffic management units coordinated their operations.
Earlier reports noted a separate fatal incident on the Kaliningrad region’s Zelenograd highway, underscoring that severe winter driving conditions pose ongoing risks across multiple routes. These events collectively highlight the need for rigorous safety measures, timely information during emergencies, and the continual assessment of road safeguards during the winter season.