Bus driver sentenced to 6.5 years in prison

The Oktyabrsky District Court of St. Petersburg sentenced Rakhmatshokh Kurbonov to six years in prison on October 25.

A native of Tajikistan was found guilty of violating traffic management rules, resulting in the negligent death of two or more individuals (part 5 of article 264 of the Criminal Code).

He was sentenced to 6 years in a general regime colony.

The court also revoked his right to engage in activities related to the management of vehicles for 2.5 years.

The native of Tajikistan stated that the incident occurred due to a lack of rest during working hours.

Rakhmatshokh Kurbonov, a native of Tajikistan and a citizen of Russia, was a bus driver. On May 10, a passenger bus fell from the Poetseluev Bridge into the Moyka River in St. Petersburg. As a result of the incident, seven people died.

At that time, the bus driver, 44-year-old Rakhmatshokh Kurbonov, during questioning stated that the bus’s brakes had failed. He was suspected under the criminal article for violating traffic management rules, leading to multiple deaths.

According to eyewitness reports, Kurbonov was the first to escape from the bus and attempted to open the roof hatch – but was unable to do so. Bystanders who jumped into the water opened the hatch, reported “Fontanka” at that time. According to the publication, the driver was hospitalized in serious condition.

Later, Interfax, citing law enforcement agencies, reported that during the preliminary investigation, Kurbonov admitted that he had fallen asleep at the wheel due to fatigue. He later confirmed his testimony in court. The defendant admitted his guilt and apologized to the victims.

The transport company “LLC Taxi,” which owns the bus, stated that it had passed technical inspection and was in good condition before going into service.