Support The Moscow Times!

Fatal 16-Hour Traffic Jam on Russian Highway Sparks Criminal Investigation

The Orenburg region branch of Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal investigation after a man died on a local highway on Jan. 3, when dozens of drivers were trapped in a traffic jam for more than 16 hours amid heavy snowfall, the Kommersant newspaper reported Tuesday, citing the Committee's online statement.

“After an inspection into officials fulfilling their duties while dealing with an emergency, a criminal case has been opened under Section 2 of Article No. 293 of Russia's Criminal Code [that outlines] negligence resulting in a death,” the statement said.

The deceased was one of the drivers stuck in the traffic jam and was waiting for assistance from the Emergency Situations Ministry. He tried to walk to other vehicles, but got lost due to low visibility and froze to death near the road, Kommersant reported.

The Orenburg region is 1,400 kilometers southeast of Moscow.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more