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The driver responsible for a devastating road accident on Al-Farabi Avenue in Almaty, which claimed the lives of three people, has been transferred to a pre-trial detention center. The individual had been receiving medical treatment following the incident.

Investigation and Custody

The driver of the Zeekr vehicle that caused the collision is now in pre-trial detention. Previously, they were under police supervision at a medical facility. A court has ordered their detention as a measure of restraint while the investigation proceeds. Authorities have stated that the suspect will remain in custody until the investigation is complete.

The Fatal Collision

The tragic event occurred on the night of March 21st at the intersection of Al-Farabi Avenue and Mendykulov Street. The Zeekr vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with a Mercedes. Tragically, the 29-year-old driver of the Mercedes and two passengers, aged 20 and 22, died at the scene.

The driver of the Zeekr survived but sustained injuries requiring hospitalization. On April 26th, a court ordered their arrest. Investigations revealed that the driver had a low level of alcohol intoxication at the time of the crash.

Legal Proceedings

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspect under Part 4 of Article 345 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to violations of road traffic rules resulting in the death of two or more people. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment.

Social Media Speculation and Official Response

Speculation emerged on social media suggesting that a street race involving a police officer may have contributed to the accident. In response, investigations and internal reviews were launched. The Ministry of Internal Affairs subsequently dismissed several officials from the Almaty City Police Department.

Ministry Statement

On April 26th, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement. According to the ministry, by order of the Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov, the Deputy Head of the Almaty City Police Department responsible for external services and road safety, along with the heads of the administrative police and public security departments, were dismissed from their posts.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs also provided an update on the investigation. "A criminal case has been initiated regarding the inaction of the driver of one of the heads of the Police Department. He has been placed in a temporary detention facility. All circumstances, including information disseminated in the media, will be thoroughly examined as part of the internal investigation and criminal cases," stated Chingis Alekeshev, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.