Key facts
- Fourteen people were killed in a road accident involving a lorry and a minibus in Ukraine's Rivne region.
- The fatalities included a six-year-old child.
- One woman survived the crash and is in critical condition.
- The accident occurred near the village of Verkhiv.
- The cause of the collision is under investigation.
- Criminal proceedings have been initiated.
Fourteen people were killed in a severe road accident in Ukraine's western Rivne region when a lorry collided with a minibus. The incident, which occurred near the village of Verkhiv, resulted in the deaths of twelve passengers, the two drivers, and a six-year-old child. One woman survived the crash with serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed the fatalities and stated that the cause of the accident is under investigation. Criminal proceedings have been initiated to determine the circumstances of the collision. The head of the regional military administration, Oleksandr Koval, also noted that the lorry drove into oncoming traffic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the tragedy in his evening video address and extended condolences to the victims' families. Images from the scene showed extensive wreckage and a child's toy.