Belarusian presidential candidate of the United Civil Party Yaroslav Romanchuk, being off to meet with voters, got in a car crash at 40 km from Rahachou near the turning to Buda-Kashaliova. This was reported by the politician to the UCP press-service by phone after the accident.
It happened on Homel — Minsk route at the turn to Buda-Kashaliova at about 9:55. Audi A3, standing at the wayside, suddenly made a turn to the oncoming traffic, right towards Volkswagen, moving within the speed limits. At that time, the distance of about 10 meters remained between the cars. Driver of Yaroslav Romanchuk, Ivan Lobachev, slammed on the brakes, but the accident could not be avoided — the car struck the left side of Audi. Thanks to the deployed airbags, Volkswagen’s passengers and the driver escaped severe injuries.
According to the press service of the candidate’s headquarters, Yaroslav Romanchuk has his knees and face scratched; Zahar Mikhalkin, his action group’s member, was only slightly injured, too. Driver Ivan Lobachev and famous Belarusian economist Leonid Zaiko, representatives of Romanchuk, have their chests injured, so they will soon see a doctor.
Volkswagen, badly damaged with a completely smashed front, was unable to continue its way. Audi, with its left side damaged, was strongly deformed. Police sergeant Paul Hrankov in civilian clothes and a woman, allegedly his relative, were in the car. They were not seriously injured.
Traffic police together with an ambulance arrived on the scene about 40 minutes after the accident.
Yaroslav Romanchuk informed of having been warned a few days earlier at a meeting with voters to be careful when traveling around the country.
Despite the accident, Yaroslav Romanchuk is not going to change his plans. He intends to meet with Rahachou voters, according to the timetable of the election campaign. He planned a trip to Zhlobin on December 11. His car was transported to Minsk.
At the moment, supporters of Yaroslav Romanchuk expect more accurate information about the health of the presidential candidate and his action group members, being with him in the accident.
