In Volgograd, a notable incident unfolded when a deputy of the regional legislature, Denis Khlybov, lost control of a Gelendvagen near the district administration building. He told a local news outlet that his wife sustained injuries in the crash. According to Khlybov, the other vehicle ran a red light multiple times at high speed before colliding with his SUV, resulting in a severe impact.
Khlybov described the moment of the collision: he was driving through a green light, adhering to traffic rules, with his wife beside him. As they approached the intersection, another car struck them at an estimated speed around 140 km/h. The force of the collision caused the Gelendvagen to roll over and deploy all airbags. Khlybov reported only minor bruises, while his wife required hospitalization. He also noted that the other driver had allegedly run several red lights prior to the crash, according to traffic police. The deputy emphasized that the event was sudden and dangerous, highlighting concerns about reckless driving in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported the incident occurred in the city center of Volgograd on the morning of March 8. The Gelendvagen collided with a Lada Priora and came to rest on its side between the premises of the Volgograd regional administration and the regional museum of local culture. It later emerged that the SUV owner was Denis Khlybov, a public figure with duties tied to regional governance. The initial statement from the Main Directorate of the Volgograd Region of the Ministry of Internal Affairs suggested that the Lada Priora driver may have contributed to the accident. The investigation was at an early stage, with authorities outlining preliminary findings and awaiting further examination of the evidence and radar data, along with vehicle telematics where available. The situation prompted continued scrutiny of road safety, urban traffic design, and the responsibilities of public officials who commute through busy civic corridors.
Separately, local news coverage touched on a different, unrelated incident from the region: a schoolgirl in Volgograd reportedly suffered a spinal fracture after an elevator stopped abruptly. This event underscores ongoing safety concerns across various public settings within the city, drawing attention to maintenance practices and emergency response protocols that affect residents daily.