A Mitsubishi crossover with an unconscious driver struck the vehicle in front several times, a minivan carrying children, on the Baikal highway in the Irkutsk region. The incident was initially reported by the Podyom Telegram channel and later confirmed by local authorities. In the moments after the first impact, the Mitsubishi repeatedly pressed into the rear of the minivan as it traveled ahead, creating a dangerous sequence of collisions. Soon after, the driver’s spouse managed to take control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop. This sequence highlighted the volatility of driving when a driver loses consciousness and the quick intervention required to prevent further harm. [Podyom Telegram; Irkutsk regional authorities]
The crash unfolded on a stretch of road known for its heavy traffic and varying speeds. According to available accounts, the man behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi lost consciousness, causing his foot to press down on the accelerator unintentionally. The sudden accelerations led to repeated impacts with the minivan in front, which was carrying children. Emergency responders were dispatched, and the unconscious driver was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Fortunately, the children in the van sustained no injuries in the incident, and there were no reports of serious harm to other passengers. The driver’s wife, who was in the passenger seat, acted quickly to regain control once the vehicle started to lose stability. [Podyom Telegram; Irkutsk regional emergency services]
Authorities noted that the immediate risk from such events lies in the rapid succession of impacts and the potential for additional vehicles in the surrounding lanes to be drawn into the accident chain. The physical state of the Mitsubishi’s driver was the critical factor, with medical responders confirming a lapse in consciousness prior to the incident. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, vehicle telemetry, and witness statements to determine the precise sequence of events and to assess any contributing conditions. While the children in the minivan did not suffer injuries, the episode serves as a stark reminder about the importance of driver health and the vigilance of passengers who may need to intervene in crisis moments. [Podyom Telegram; Irkutsk regional traffic police]
In related news, earlier reports from Primorsky Krai described another incident where a jacket-clad driver briefly lost control after hitting a curb in Nadezhdinsk. That case underscores a pattern of incidents linked to sudden health or mechanical issues behind the wheel, prompting ongoing warnings from traffic authorities about staying alert, ensuring medical fitness to drive, and having a plan for safe vehicle handling in emergencies. No injuries were reported in that earlier scenario, but it reinforced the need for drivers to be honest about their ability to operate a vehicle. [Traffic police statements; regional news]