Truck Driver Blamed for Sagging Garlands on Chelybinsk Embankment

Readers of 74.RU noticed sagging garlands and wires on the embankment of Lake Smolino. At first, they tried to resolve the issue on their own — they called the district administration and asked them to fix the situation. However, nothing changed, so they decided to report the problem through the media. A few hours later, the garlands were lifted and the culprit was found.

Thus, readers noticed the garlands hanging too low on the embankment from the side of Novorossiyskaya Street.

“The wires and garlands have been hanging like this at least since January 15,” a 74.RU subscriber told the publication. “We called the Lenin District Administration yesterday morning and today. But they apparently don’t care — they said they couldn’t get through to someone. If it were Orel (the former head of Lenin District), it would have been resolved instantly, but now — alas. Please publish this. It’s a shame that no one is reacting, and such a place, where many residents walk every day, is falling into disrepair.”

The administration responded to the publication of the post in our Telegram channel.

“Last week, a truck that drove onto the embankment damaged the lighting decorations and the lighting supports,” the district administration explained. “Surveillance camera footage has been reviewed, and a statement to the police is being prepared, to which a recording of the incident will be attached.”

The authorities assured that the contractor has already removed the sagging structures. For now, the ‘tail’ of the garland has been attached to a support.

“The contractor will restore the lighting after the police make a decision within their authority. If the culprit is identified and held accountable, he will be required to compensate for the damage caused,” the administration explained.

The traffic police also responded to the situation. They explained that the truck driver did not try to hide after the accident, which occurred on January 14. He himself called the traffic police and reported the accident.

“An administrative case has been opened against the man under Article 12.33 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Damage to roads, railway crossings, or other road structures),” the Chelyabinsk traffic police reported.

Fines under Article 12.33 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (damage to roads, railway crossings, or other road structures) are stipulated: for citizens — from five to ten thousand rubles (approximately $55–$110 at current rates); for officials — 25 thousand rubles (approximately $275); for legal entities — 300 thousand rubles (approximately $3,300).