The latest report shows the toll from a serious collision on the Volgograd-Astrakhan highway has risen to 17 fatalities. The Ministry of Emergencies of Russia confirmed the update and said a response team of 16 specialists along with four machines were deployed to the scene to support rescue and recovery work. Earlier updates had placed the number of victims at about 14. Investigators are still clarifying all the factors that led to the crash, and the full set of circumstances remains under review by authorities.
Details from Astrakhan police indicate the crash occurred on October 11 at 16:40 Moscow time when a MAZ truck crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a LIAZ bus head on. Emergency crews worked through the wreckage to help survivors and secure the site, while investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses. The case remains under investigation as officials work to determine the causes and sequence of events.
On October 9 in Sochi a major accident involving six vehicles resulted in fatalities. Early reports describe a Gazelle driver unexpectedly changing lanes into the left lane, colliding with a passing car. The impact caused a minibus to overturn and then strike a parked Gelly and a tour bus carrying no passengers. Two additional foreign cars later collided with the damaged vehicles, and a pedestrian was struck in the aftermath.
Earlier reports from Solnechnogorsk described a driver involved in an incident who was seen on video assaulting a retiree after the crash. Authorities say the video was reviewed as part of ongoing investigations and appropriate steps will be taken according to the law.