Two suspects were detained in connection with a tram collision during the incident on Logovoy Highway, according to the Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee for the Kemerovo region on the Kuzbass channel.
Officials named the detained individuals as the director and the foreman of JSC Kemerovo Electric Transport Company. The investigation states that on June 6, 2024, these defendants allowed a defective tram to proceed, leading to a collision with another vehicle operating on a parallel route in the same direction on Logovoy Highway in the regional capital.
At present, investigators are deciding on preventive measures for the detainees. The Baza Telegram channel reported that wreckage from the car, including portions of the braking system, was found on the tracks where the crash occurred.
The June 6 road accident on Logovaya Highway prompted the opening of two criminal cases. Operational services initially suggested that the cause could be brake failure or human error, though subsequent reports indicated the tram with braking issues had been in maintenance three days before the collision.
In the past, Kemerovo has seen multiple tram-related fatalities, underscoring ongoing concerns about streetcar safety and maintenance protocols in the region. The current investigation is expected to examine factory defects, maintenance records, safety checks, and the protocols governing when a vehicle is deemed fit for service. Experts note that tram reliability hinges on timely maintenance, proper brake functionality, and rigorous adherence to safety standards by transit operators. Authorities emphasize that all steps in the inquiry will be carefully documented and cross-checked to determine responsibility and prevent similar incidents in the future.