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Sentence imposed over a probe into a traffic accident with a bus in Transbaikal that entailed death of 19 persons

The evidence gathered by the Main Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation was found by court to be sufficient to sentence Ivan Strelnikov. He was found guilty of committing an offence under Part 3 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code of Russia (rendering of services that do not meet safety standards entailing by negligence death of two or more persons).

Upon instruction of the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, the probe was transferred to the Central Office of the Committee for comprehensive and objective investigation, progress of which was put under special supervision.

Investigation and court established that on December 1, 2019, on kilometre 362 of Mogoyguy-Olochi highway, on the territory of Sretensky District of Transbaikal Territory, driver named Sergey Kubasov, an employee of a transport company belonging to private entrepreneur Strelnikov, was driving a bus carrying 41 passengers, lost control and let the vehicle slide from a bridge to Kuenga River. As a result of the incident 41 persons died, including Kubasov and 4 children. 20 passengers received injuries of varying severity. 

A motor technical forensic examination carried out during the investigation established that the brake system of rear wheels of the bus was damaged and the driver Kubasov exceeded the speed limit, which led to the accident.

Strelnikov, as a person responsible for technical maintenance of the bus, in violation of the provisions of the law on road safety, did not check the vehicle for malfunctions before its departure for the trip.

The court sentenced Strelnikov to 9 years of imprisonment in a general regime penal colony. He was also deprived of the right to engage in passenger transportation activities for 2 years and 6 months.

Criminal prosecution against Kubasov was terminated in relation to his death.