The minivan crash in Blagoveshchensk involved a driver who was found to have been driving well above the legal speed limit. Officials from law enforcement cited the speeding as a key factor in losing control of the vehicle and colliding with pedestrians. This account was reported by TASS, referencing authorities within the police and other safety agencies.
According to the ministry, the driver exceeded the permissible speed cap at the moment of impact, which led to the vehicle veering off course and striking people on the sidewalk. The incident left nine individuals injured, with many in critical condition and unlikely to survive, as stated by officials on the scene.
Earlier statements from the driver suggested a brake failure as the reason for the crash. He indicated that a malfunction in the braking system contributed to the loss of control, providing one of several explanations being explored by investigators.
Video circulating online reportedly shows the driver seated on the grass, appearing severely injured and unable to communicate. Bystanders gathered nearby, with some expressing anger toward the driver and asserting that intoxication was involved. Police arrived quickly and apprehended the suspect in a short time, as recorded in subsequent reports.
In a separate, earlier incident in the Ural region, a traffic police vehicle was seen pursuing a bicycle ridden by two children, though no further details are provided in these reports and investigations were ongoing.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation into the Blagoveshchensk collision continues, with a focus on verifying eyewitness accounts, vehicle conditions, road safety factors, and possible impairment in the driver’s ability to operate the minivan. Updates from security services and transit authorities are anticipated as part of a coordinated response to the incident, aiming to determine accountability and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Citations: TASS, official safety services.