Two public bus drivers on a Vladivostok highway found themselves in a heated confrontation that drew attention from bystanders and traffic alike, as reported by Telegram channel Newsbox24. What began as a routine moment at a busy interchange escalated into a physical clash that disrupted the flow of Route 54 buses near the Central Square area. Eyewitness footage captured the scene as the two men grappled on the roadway, and at least one strike landed, creating a tense moment on the pavement. The confrontation also involved grappling holds that resembled choking techniques, underscoring the perilous nature of the altercation and the potential danger to other drivers and passengers in the vicinity. The incident quickly drew curiosity from pedestrians, with several people recording the moment from nearby sidewalks.
As the tension peaked, a man in a naval officer’s uniform stepped into the fray, supported by two additional passersby. The trio managed to separate the drivers, pulling them away from the immediate danger and restoring some measure of order to the chaotic scene. One of the bus operators lunged with a kick, but the intervention of bystanders prevented any serious injuries. Once the immediate threat subsided, the drivers returned to their respective buses and resumed their routes, continuing along the highway with the clash now behind them. Eyewitnesses described a troubling moment in which one participant in the fight allegedly attempted to cut off another bus and slowed down abruptly in front of it, an action that might have caused a downstream disturbance for other motorists heading in the same direction. The overall impression left by the incident was one of a rare but serious lapse in professional discipline that unsettled commuters nearby.
In a separate note, there have been prior reports from the Tomsk region about road rage involving a minibus driver who refused entry to passengers carrying beer, an incident that highlights ongoing tensions on public transit across different parts of Russia. These stories collectively illustrate how quickly tempers can flare in crowded transport settings and the importance of robust safety protocols for drivers, passengers, and onlookers alike, especially when operations occur in high-traffic corridors or near major city centers where incidents can disrupt service and create safety concerns for the traveling public. This broader context serves as a reminder for transit authorities to reinforce de‑escalation training and to ensure clear channels for reporting and responding to aggressive behavior in real time, thereby preserving the integrity of daily commuting for residents and visitors in Vladivostok and beyond.