Driver to face trial over Mykolaiv region crash that killed 12
Ukraine has completed the investigation into a July 4 crash on roads in the Mykolaiv region that killed 12 people and injured six. The Nissan driver suspected of causing the crash was detained without bail, charged under Article 286(3), and referred to court.
Key points
- The crash occurred on the morning of July 4 when a passenger minibus traveling from Odesa to Mykolaiv overturned in the Mykolaiv region.
- Twelve people died and six were injured.
- Nine people, including the 49-year-old minibus driver, died at the scene; three passengers later died in hospital.
- Investigators say the Nissan driver entered the oncoming lane while overtaking and created an emergency situation for a Mercedes-Benz.
- The Mercedes-Benz overturned, entered the oncoming lane and collided with a Volvo truck.
- The Nissan driver fled the scene but was soon located and detained without the right to bail.
- The driver faces a potential prison sentence of five to 10 years.
- The case has been referred to court.
Why it matters
The investigation's conclusion establishes the next legal stage in a deadly crash: the suspected driver will stand trial. His detention without bail, criminal notification under Article 286(3) of Ukraine's Criminal Code and possible five-to-ten-year sentence underscore the seriousness of the proceedings.
What happened
The investigation has concluded into the July 4 crash on roads in the Mykolaiv region. A passenger minibus traveling from Odesa to Mykolaiv was involved in the incident, which killed 12 people and injured six. Nine people, including the 49-year-old minibus driver and eight passengers, died at the scene, while three passengers later died in hospital.
According to investigators, the Nissan driver entered the oncoming lane while overtaking and created an emergency situation for a Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz driver tried to avoid a head-on collision, veered onto the shoulder and overturned. The vehicle then entered the oncoming lane and collided with a Volvo truck. The Nissan driver fled the scene but was soon located. He is being held without the right to bail, has been notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 286 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, and his case has been referred to court.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reports focus on the conclusion of the investigation and the criminal proceedings against the driver. They also highlight that he attempted to flee, remains detained without the right to bail and faces a prison sentence of five to 10 years. Coverage details the sequence involving the Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo vehicles as established by investigators.
Background
The incident occurred on the morning of July 4 when a passenger minibus traveling from Odesa to Mykolaiv crashed on roads in the Mykolaiv region. Nine people, including the 49-year-old driver, died at the scene, and three passengers died in hospital. Investigators say the Nissan driver entered the oncoming lane while overtaking, creating an emergency situation for a Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz overturned, entered the oncoming lane and collided with a Volvo truck. The Nissan driver fled the scene but was soon located.