Investigators, forensic experts from the Lviv region police, and other emergency services are working at the scene of a large-scale traffic accident. Authorities are determining the circumstances of the incident and identifying all participants.
The accident occurred on December 15 at 5:30 a.m. on the “Ternopil — Lviv — Rava-Ruska” highway near the village of Chyzhykiv in the Lviv district. According to preliminary police reports, three vehicles collided: a BMW car, a DAF truck, and a Mercedes Sprinter minibus.
The crash claimed the lives of seven passengers in the Mercedes Sprinter minibus at the scene. Their identities are being confirmed. Three individuals sustained various injuries, including a 45-year-old truck driver, the 39-year-old driver of the minibus, and his 23-year-old passenger. The injured have been hospitalized in Lviv medical facilities, and their diagnoses are being clarified.
A criminal case has been initiated under Part 3 of Article 286 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for imprisonment for a term of three to eight years and possible deprivation of the right to drive for up to three years. Pre-trial investigations are ongoing.
Preliminary Cause of the Accident and Actions of the BMW Driver
Preliminary findings suggest that the cause of the tragedy was a traffic violation by the 23-year-old driver of a BMW from the Lviv district. He reportedly veered into the oncoming lane and collided with the DAF truck. This led the uncontrolled truck to crash into the Mercedes Sprinter minibus.
The BMW driver fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. Police later detained him under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Initial evidence indicates the driver was under the influence of alcohol, and further examinations have been ordered.
Investigations continue, and authorities are considering reclassifying the offense under the criminal code.