Overview
- Police said the collision occurred at 14:50 MSK at the 334th km of the Caucasus Highway when a Lada hit a cable barrier and then struck a Mercedes minibus carrying students.
- Eighteen children were on board; seven are hospitalized with light injuries, two are on outpatient care, and the rest were sent home.
- Six injured students were taken to neurosurgery at Pyatigorsk City Hospital No. 1, and one was transferred to Stavropol for maxillofacial and neurosurgical care.
- The regional Investigative Committee opened a probe into transport safety compliance under Article 238, and the interdistrict prosecutor is reviewing adherence to traffic and passenger laws.
- MCHS psychologists are assisting families, and health authorities say parents may bring children for additional examinations if needed.