Court chooses restraint for driver in Baikal tourist death

The Olkhon Court has chosen a preventive measure for the driver of a UAZ van that overturned on Lake Baikal, resulting in the death of a 75-year-old Chinese tourist.

Recall that on the morning of 28 January 2026, on Lake Baikal, a 75-year-old Chinese tourist died. She was riding on the ice in a UAZ with other travelers. At some point, the driver of the «loaf» van lost control, hit a crevice, causing the vehicle to overturn. One person died, and two other passengers required medical assistance. Later, the Investigative Committee found that the driver did not have a license.

The driver — a 41-year-old resident of the village of Khuzhir — has been charged under clause «v» of part 2 of Article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code (providing services that do not meet safety requirements, resulting in death through negligence). He faces up to 6 years in prison with a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (approximately $5,600 at current rates).

The investigation requested the court to choose detention as a preventive measure for the man. However, the court opted for a prohibition of certain actions. This preventive measure is initially set for 2 months, according to the prosecutor«s office press service.

As clarified by the joint press service of the courts, a resident of the Olkhon District, illegally providing tourist services and lacking a driver«s license, was transporting a group of 10 citizens from China and Taiwan on his UAZ across the ice of Lake Baikal.

«Moreover, he ignored prohibition signs about driving onto the ice, acted under conditions of obvious danger to the life and health of passengers, and did not ensure the presence and use of seat belts in the vehicle,» emphasized the court.

At some point, he attempted to bypass a crack in the ice, lost control, and the UAZ van overturned.

Now, by court decision, he is prohibited from communicating personally or through other persons with participants in the legal proceedings in this criminal case, sending and receiving postal-telegraph correspondence by any means of communication, including in writing, by phone, by fax, using computer technologies, through third parties, as well as from all persons except investigators, defenders, and the court. In addition, the use of any means of communication and the internet is banned. Also, the accused is prohibited from driving a car or any other vehicle.

The court«s ruling has not entered into legal force.