The second criminal case emerged in St. Petersburg following the bus crash, and it began within the city, a development reported by RIA Novosti through the press service of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation. The announcement makes clear that authorities opened a case under the provisions associated with life safety and consumer health protections, tying the incident to a specific paragraph and part of the Russian Criminal Code. The precise reference points to article 238, part 2, clause c, indicating that the focus involves the provision of services that fail to meet established safety standards for public welfare. This formulation signals a serious inquiry into whether safety protocols were properly observed and whether service providers fulfilled mandatory duties to protect passengers and bystanders. The press release situates the case within the ongoing lawful process, underscoring the jurisdictional reach of the Investigative Committee and its readiness to pursue all legal avenues to determine responsibility in the events that unfolded. [Source: Investigative Committee press service]
The events under investigation include a fatal road accident that occurred on January 24 in St. Petersburg, specifically on Nalichnaya Street in the Vasileostrovskiy district. Police statements describe how the bus driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer onto the sidewalk. The resulting impact injured several people and culminated in multiple casualties. Reports indicate that five individuals sustained injuries, with one patient requiring surgical intervention. In the aftermath, authorities filed charges for traffic rule violations, and the driver was detained as part of the preliminary inquiry. The official stance emphasizes that the case is proceeding under the rubric of violations connected to traffic safety obligations and the handling of the incident by law enforcement officials. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine the sequence of events that led to the loss of control, assess whether any preventable factors contributed to the tragedy, and establish accountability for any breaches of safety regulations. [Source: Investigative Committee press service]
Initial updates from city health authorities describe the victims as being in serious condition during the immediate aftermath of the crash. Medical teams responded to the scene, and hospital observers monitored the patients closely as they received treatment. The health committee noted the gravity of the injuries and the need for continued medical care as part of the recovery process. As with many high-stakes incidents, the medical status of patients can evolve, and the official line emphasizes ongoing assessment and support for those affected. The case thus extends beyond a single moment of impact, touching on the longer arc of public safety, emergency response, and the responsibilities of those who operate public transportation services in large urban settings. [Source: City health committee report]
Meanwhile, earlier communications from authorities referred to a broader legal context in which media or public communications were examined for accuracy and compliance with safety-related reporting. In a related but separate thread, officials noted that legal actions have included requests to courts regarding information-sharing practices and the status of content related to potential risks and safety concerns. These updates illustrate how authorities balance transparency with the need to protect the integrity of investigations, and they underscore the complex ecosystem in which public safety incidents are analyzed and conveyed to the public. [Source: Investigative Committee press service]