The Moscow Interregional Transport Prosecutor’s Office released footage showing a collision where a train struck a taxi in the suburbs. An official investigation has been initiated to determine the causes and contribute to safety improvements at railway crossings.
In the early morning hours, authorities say a taxi entered a railway crossing at the 35th kilometer of the station area, with conditions and actions prompting concern from observers. The incident occurred as the crossing was active and the approaching train carried passengers and crew along the line. The train operator applied emergency braking as soon as the danger became evident, yet the vehicle could not be stopped in time, resulting in a crash with the taxi. Investigators are reviewing the sequence of events, including signals, gate operation, and the taxi’s adherence to traffic rules at the crossing.
Initial assessments from the released video indicate the taxi did not halt at the crossing and appeared uncertain about the approaching train. Preliminary information confirms that two occupants of the taxi were killed in the accident, highlighting the lethal consequences of unsafe cross-traffic behavior near rail infrastructure. The investigation will examine whether warning systems functioned as intended and whether any violations contributed to the tragedy, with findings expected to guide future safety measures at similar crossings.
Earlier reports described another vehicle collision involving a snowy truck that impacted nine vehicles in a parking area in Orenburg. Early accounts suggested the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, prompting a separate inquiry into driver fatigue and loading practices in snowy conditions. Both incidents underscore the ongoing importance of rigorous enforcement, driver vigilance, and robust infrastructure design to reduce cross-traffic risks near railways and in parking zones.