Nine cars sustained damage along the Novorizhskoye Highway near Istra after two separate collisions, according to the Main Directorate of the Moscow Region of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The incidents unfolded in a harsh winter setting, with slick roads and fresh snowfall that reduced visibility and challenged drivers across the area. Authorities stressed that there were no serious injuries reported and that the situation was gradually stabilizing as responders moved through the scene. In the wake of these events, road safety officials urged motorists to drive with extra caution, maintain safe following distances, and allow for additional travel time when navigating the corridor. The accident cluster serves as a stark reminder of how quickly winter weather can transform a routine journey into a hazardous situation, even on well-traveled routes around Moscow and its outskirts.
Two major crashes occurred near the 51st kilometer marker on the M-9 Baltia highway around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday. In the first collision, a Datsun driver lost control and struck a moving Audi ahead, triggering a chain reaction that involved five vehicles in total. In the second incident, a Suzuki driver failed to maintain control and collided with a Ford truck traveling in front of it, causing four more vehicles to be drawn into the incident scene. Emergency crews arrived quickly, providing medical assessments and clearing the wreckage to restore some degree of normal traffic flow. Investigators focused on explaining how road conditions, vehicle speeds, and driver decisions converged to produce these crashes, while reminding drivers to adapt to winter road realities. The overall pattern underscores how even a brief lapse in judgment on winter roads can cascade into multiple vehicle impacts across a busy highway corridor.
No injuries were reported in either crash, and the traffic police worked to secure the area while trying to minimize disruption for commuters. Traffic was partially restricted, with lane closures and alternating passages designed to reduce further risk while responders conducted on-site checks. Drivers were advised to choose alternative routes where possible and to monitor real-time traffic updates before embarking on trips. This guidance reflects the ongoing emphasis on safety during winter months when weather events intensify the already challenging conditions faced by drivers along major arterial routes feeding Moscow and surrounding districts.
Reports from TASS, citing law enforcement agencies, indicated that a major accident occurred on the Novorizhskoye highway as a result of slippery roads and snowfall, with as many as 15 vehicles involved. The incident added to the growing tally of winter crashes in the region and highlighted the need for cautious driving, lower speeds, and greater following distances when snow or ice blankets the roadway. Authorities coordinated a rapid response to manage debris, assist injured or stranded motorists if needed, and restore traffic lanes in a timely manner. The broader takeaway from this update is that road conditions can change abruptly, and drivers should adjust their plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary risk during snow events.
Earlier advisories from Moscow authorities urged residents to postpone travel when possible due to the ongoing snowstorm. In the days leading up to these incidents, officials warned that accumulating snow, gusty winds, and slick surfaces could persist, advising commuters to check weather forecasts and traffic feeds before heading out. The consistent message from officials remains clear: visibility is sometimes compromised and road surfaces can hide black ice, making cautious, slower driving essential for safety and smooth traffic flow across the region.