Road accident in Kharkiv: drunk driver crashes into public transport, passengers injured

A driver was detained in Kharkiv who, while under the influence of alcohol, caused a traffic accident with numerous victims.

On August 23, a serious traffic accident occurred on Heroiv Avenue, involving a passenger car, a bus, and a trolleybus. Nine people were injured as a result of the incident, including public transport passengers, the driver, and a passenger of the Toyota. Among the wounded were a 16-year-old girl and a pregnant woman. All the victims were taken to the hospital with injuries of varying severity.

Law enforcement officers determined that the culprit of the accident was a 46-year-old man who failed to maintain a safe speed and collided with the bus in front of him. As a result of the impact, the car was thrown onto the trolleybus. It was also confirmed that the driver was intoxicated and refused to take an alcohol test.

Eyewitnesses reported that the Toyota was traveling at approximately 140 kilometers per hour. The incident occurred near the Turboatom metro station.

Patrol officers and an investigative and operational group worked at the scene. Witnesses noted that after the collision, the passenger of the car attempted to take the driver’s seat and impersonate the driver. Both passengers initially refused to provide their details and contact doctors. The man refused to be examined, while the woman agreed to receive medical assistance.

The police opened a criminal case for violating traffic rules by an intoxicated person. Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for a penalty of up to three years in prison, with the possibility of additional sanctions in the form of a driving ban for a period of three to five years. Investigators continue to investigate all the circumstances of the incident.