Authorities have opened a criminal case into a deadly traffic crash in the Rostov region that claimed eight lives. The case is being handled by investigators from the investigation department of the Russian IC for the Rostov region, according to a press release from the regional press service.
The inquiry is being conducted under Part 5 of Article 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers violations of traffic safety rules by a driver resulting in the death of two or more people due to negligence. This provision is applied when there are multiple fatalities and the circumstances suggest a breach of safety standards on the road.
Initial reports indicate that the accident occurred on a highway in the Volgodonsk district of the Rostov region, resulting in the death of eight individuals. Among the deceased were four children, whose ages were 3, 7, 9, and 10 years old. All of the victims were residents of the Martynovsky district in Rostov region, highlighting the impact of this tragedy on a single local community.
Further details from the investigative agency indicate that the collision involved two passenger vehicles, the Lada Priora and the VAZ-2114, bringing attention to the serious consequences that can follow misjudgments or failures to observe traffic rules. The loss of life among children underscores the urgency of road safety measures and driver responsibility on Russia’s roads.
Earlier reporting by Interfax, citing the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations, noted that four victims had been residents of Bashkiria prior to the incident. The evolving information reflects the fluid nature of emergency responses as investigators piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Another collision in the incident involved a Lada Granta and a Gazelle truck, where the driver and three passengers of the Lada were killed after they reportedly fell asleep at the wheel. The scene required medical attention for the truck driver, underscoring the multifaceted danger posed by fatigue and hazardous driving conditions on major roads.
In related highway reporting, a head-on collision near Moscow resulted in the overturning of a Mercedes with fatalities and injuries. This separate event is mentioned to illustrate the broader context of road accidents and the ongoing emphasis on improving driver vigilance across the country.
As the Rostov region case progresses, investigators will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze vehicle data to determine fault and accountability. The outcome will hinge on proving a violation of traffic safety rules that directly contributed to the deaths. The public awaits updates as the case moves through the legal process and the authorities work to provide clarity for the families affected by this devastating event.