The two cyclist victims in the Leningrad region were killed when a KamAZ truck collided with a group riding along the highway. Authorities reported that the incident prompted a swift judicial response as investigators worked to determine all the details surrounding the crash.
The court ordered detention for two months as a precautionary measure for the truck driver charged in connection with the fatal accident, according to the regional authorities. The decision aims to secure the investigation and prevent any potential interference with witnesses or evidence during the inquiry.
The crash occurred on the 60th kilometer section of the Scandinavian highway on a recent date when a KamAZ truck struck a caravan of cyclists accompanied by an escort vehicle. The interior ministry and the main directorate for the Petersburg and Leningrad Region confirmed the fatalities, with initial reports indicating at least two deaths resulting from the collision.
Irakli Abrahamyan, who leads the regional cycling program and previously served as head coach of the national cycling squad, noted that the region’s cycling team had been conducting training in the area and that some participants were involved in the accident. The situation prompted a response from other cycling leaders in the federation as well.
Vyacheslav Ekimov, who holds the presidency of the Russian Cycling Federation, offered condolences to the victims and expressed confidence that the matter could be addressed at the regional level once all facts are established. He added that the federation would not prematurely assign blame and would await official findings from law enforcement before taking any further action.
The federation stressed that there was no immediate indication of widespread coordination or organized misuse among athletes. If questions arise, officials said they would engage directly with authorities. The focus remains on a clear, lawful resolution as investigators continue gathering evidence from the scene and reviewing the sequence of events that led to the crash.
Video footage of the accident has begun circulating publicly, sparking discussion about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers and event organizers. Local authorities emphasized the importance of thorough, transparent investigations to determine fault and ensure accountability, while the cycling community awaited the completion of the judicial process and any ensuing safety reforms that might be suggested by investigators.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about highway safety for cyclists and the need for coordinated safety measures along routes that attract both training sessions and public riding. Officials urged drivers to exercise heightened vigilance in areas where cyclists travel in groups, and they called on service providers to review safety protocols along major highways to prevent similar tragedies in the future.