Abundant snow, strong wind and temperatures that dropped to almost -30 degrees Celsius caused a complete traffic collapse on the Baikal highway in Siberia at the beginning of the week.
In such harsh weather conditions, drivers waited for hours in a line about 100 kilometers long.
The traffic chaos lasted for three days, and it was further aggravated by the accidents that occurred after some truck drivers violated the traffic rules, the spokesperson of Rosavtodor confirmed to the local media, and his statements were reported by The Moscow Times.
#RussiaIsFreezing
Truckers and car drivers, including families with children, have been stuck in a multi-kilometer traffic jam on the federal highway “Baikal” for the second day. They are starting a fire in the bitter cold to somehow warm up, many are almost out of gas.… pic.twitter.com/plUUMozlxt— LX (@LXSummer1) November 16, 2024
The convoy stretched along the southwestern shore of Lake Baikal, and according to local reports, families with children were also trapped in the vehicles, with very little food, water and fuel.
Emergency services have set up a mobile station for heating and food distribution, as well as six permanent points and three gas stations along the highway, so that travelers can get support and warm up, said the governor of the Irkutsk region, Igor Kobzev.
Traffic began to return to normal on Monday afternoon.
The Baikal highway is part of the Trans-Siberian route and connects the Irkutsk region with the Republic of Buryatia and the Transbaikal region.
(Vijesti.ba)
