Support The Moscow Times!

Drunk Train Driver Causes Rail Collision in Russia

Freight wagons tossed into the snow. Russian Investigative Committee

Two trains collided in Russia's Chelyabinsk region late Monday, with law enforcement officials saying one of the drivers involved in the crash was likely intoxicated.

“A medical screening showed the locomotive driver had alcohol in his bloodstream,” the transportation unit of Russia’s Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said in a statement.

The law enforcement body said the driver is thought to have continued past a stop signal, thus causing the incident on Monday evening.

No injuries were reported in the collision.

The Investigative Committee said it was carrying out a preliminary probe into safety violations by “those responsible for the railway.”

A video published by police investigators showed several train cars tossed into the snow.

Astra, a news channel on the messaging app Telegram, said a preliminary investigation revealed that the locomotive driver had been drinking while operating the train.

It was not immediately possible to verify Astra’s claims.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysiss and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

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 every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more