Volgograd: Freezing City, Detention Center Crash, Negligence Case
Every day in Volgograd and the region, something significant, unusual, and interesting happens. To help you navigate the news agenda, we have prepared our daily digest of the most important news and events for January 27.
A Mother«s Tragedy: Loss of Child and Fertility
Lyubov Merkulova, living in the small village of Kolobovka, miraculously survived a severe operation, but lost her daughter—the unborn child literally choked due to internal bleeding. After that operation, 37-year-old Lyubov can no longer give birth. After all this time, she is still trying to find answers to the questions «why did this happen?» and «who is to blame?», but the investigation has yet to find those responsible. Lyubov Merkulova shared her perspective on the personal tragedy of May 21, 2023, with a correspondent from V1.RU.
Chronicles of a Freezing City
While meteorologists promise warming by next Wednesday, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) warns residents of the region about abnormal frosts. Everyone complained about heating problems: a cottage community near Volgograd was freezing due to a shutdown on Defense Ministry networks, schoolchildren were cold, and were partially sent to remote learning because of this, a multi-apartment building where, in addition, electrical problems began, residents of the small khutor Medvedev—due to issues with the boiler house.
Meanwhile, officials explained why it is so cold in public transport. The reason lay in frequent door openings at stops. And according to «Heat Supply Concessions,» the temperature in Volgograd residents« homes meets the norms, especially since »the concept of «cold» is different for everyone«.
Accident Near the Detention Center
Witnesses reported a traffic accident on Golubinskaya Street. According to townspeople, a car hit a person on a pedestrian crossing at the gates of pre-trial detention center No. 1 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia (FSIN) for the Volgograd region. The victim was taken to the hospital, and her condition is being clarified.
Note that the intersection on this street is quite complex. Drivers have to carefully watch for approaching trams and, moreover, try to spot the «Pedestrian Crossing» sign, which when driving from Rokossovsky Street is hidden behind tree branches.
Horses Roaming on Their Own
An unusual situation occurred in Krasnoslobodsk. There, horses have been coming out for walks on their own for about half a year now, eating from garbage bins and calmly maneuvering between parked cars. However, if a car is in motion, quite dangerous road situations and even accidents occur. Horses are not only terrifying locals with this: the hoofed animals also break fences and overturn trash cans.
Another Fuel Price Hike
Yes, in Volgograd, fuel has become more expensive again. Yes, townspeople are tired of asking into the void: «What for?» and «How long?» At Lukoil gas stations, all grades have increased in price by 20 to 40 kopecks (less than $0.01 at current rates), while diesel fuel consistently costs 75.73 rubles per liter (approximately $1 at current rates). Meanwhile, prices at Rosneft have not changed since January 2. Changes the day before also affected Gazpromneft gas stations: there, prices have been rising since the New Year, and over the past two weeks, they added another 40 kopecks (approximately $0.004 at current rates) to each item.
