A car accident on March 15, 2025, near Paveletsky railway station in Moscow has left several pedestrians injured, with reports indicating the driver was under the influence. The shocking incident unfolded when the driver, identified as Alexander Shatravin, the son of influential banker Vladimir Shatravin, drove his BMW onto the sidewalk, hitting six people, including two teenagers.
Eyewitnesses reported the confusion and terror as the car veered onto the sidewalk on Kozhevnicheskaya Street. "Very strange man, speed addict. He didn’t understand he hit someone," recalled one witness, describing Shatravin’s apparent state of bewilderment immediately following the accident. The aftermath was chaotic, with emergency medical teams arriving swiftly to assist the injured, several of whom were taken to nearby hospitals.
According to the State Unitary Enterprise Main Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, all injured pedestrians, ranging from moderate to serious conditions, were swiftly hospitalized. Shatravin, who claimed he was not intoxicated, stated, "I’m fine, yes, I got in an accident, I’m currently at the hospital. I’m not drunk, I’m perfectly fine, I don’t trust you," as he was approached by media personnel.
The situation escalated as police and emergency services closed off the area to manage the scene, where Shatravin’s car had collided with a lamppost before overturning and blocking tram tracks. This dramatic lateral movement was propelled by the collision's force, clearly indicating the severity of the incident.
Alexander Shatravin, aged 37, has not only been linked to the financial elite of Moscow through his father, Vladimir Shatravin, who serves as the Vice Chairman of Moscow Regional Bank, but also has accumulated numerous traffic violations. Over the past year, he has amassed 25 fines, raising questions about his driving behavior prior to the collision.
Initial reports from prosecutors indicated Shatravin was driving under the influence. The Moscow Prosecutor's Office stated, "The driver was reportedly drunk when he struck the pedestrians and collided with infrastructure." This allegation prompted immediate medical examination protocols to confirm his blood-alcohol levels at the time of the crash.
Following the accident, the Investigative Committee announced the opening of a criminal case, signaling serious legal ramifications for Shatravin. Legal experts suggest the ramifications might extend beyond personal consequence, potentially impacting his family's standing, particularly considering their notable influence within Moscow's business circles.
"He was sent for medical examination," said sources from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, underlining the procedural steps taken by authorities. The road where the accident occurred has been noted for pedestrian traffic, particularly near the busy Paveletsky train station, raising safety concerns amid such tragic events.
The incident has drawn significant public response and debate around driving norms and safety, particularly among the affluent segments of society. With influential figures like Shatravin at the wheel, many are questioning accountability and responsibility on the roads.
One witness emphasized the potential consequences of irresponsible driving, stating, "We cannot allow people of such influence to operate vehicles without consequences. This could have easily been worse than it is.”
Authorities are now tasked with not only holding Shatravin accountable but ensuring stricter enforcement of traffic laws for all drivers, regardless of social standing. Public safety remains the utmost priority as the investigation continues.
The ramifications of the accident will likely reverberate through the legal system and potentially prompt renewed discussions on driver safety, especially for those who may feel above the law due to their status.
With several pedestrians hospitalized and Shatravin facing serious charges, this incident serves as both a tragic reminder and cautionary tale about the dangers of impaired driving, bringing to light the urgent need for stricter road safety measures, particularly as Moscow's streets become increasingly congested with both foot and vehicular traffic.