Criminal case opened over Chinese tourist death in Baikal minibus crash

Investigators from the Investigative Committee have opened a criminal case into the death of a 75-year-old Chinese citizen, who died in an accident involving an overturned «bukhanka» on the ice of Maloye More (Little Sea), according to a January 28 post on the Telegram channel of the Investigative Directorate for Irkutsk Region.

The accident occurred on the morning of January 28. According to preliminary information, the driver of a UAZ SGR off-road vehicle lost control and hit a crack in the ice, causing the vehicle to overturn. There were ten tourists inside the off-road vehicle; the 75-year-old woman died at the scene from her injuries.

The Telegram channel of «Zapovednoye Pribaikalye» (Olkhon and its waters are part of the protected national park) clarified that there are other victims in the accident. Medical assistance was needed for two more people, who are suspected to have head and spinal injuries.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code, «Provision of services that do not meet safety requirements, resulting in the negligent death of a person.» Investigators are currently establishing the circumstances and causes of the incident.

A investigative-operational group, employees from the migration department and the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (GAI) also arrived at the scene, and all circumstances are being investigated.

In addition, the regional prosecutor«s office will conduct an inspection into the incident, assessing compliance with legislation in the field of passenger transportation safety and service provision.