125-Mile Traffic Jam Traps Drivers In Russia

A 125-mile traffic jam on a major motorway in Russia trapped thousands of drivers over the weekend.

125-Mile Traffic Jam Traps Motorists (Youtube)

The massive traffic jam was caused by three feet of snow which hit Highway M-10, a main highway linking Moscow and St. Petersburg, last week.

"Travel remains stop-and-go for a stretch of between 135 and 190 kilometers (84-118 miles) on M-10 in Tver Region. One lane in each direction is clear of snow. Trucks are moving at roughly 5-10 kilometers per hour (3-6 mph)," a spokesman for the Interior Ministry’s State Automobile Inspectorate said on Sunday, implying that trucks face a travel time of at least 13.5 hours to pass through the jam.

Many of those trapped complained of price gouging by roadside cafes, filling stations that are running out of gasoline and a lack of assistance from the authorities.

The Emergencies Ministry responded by providing warming stations, hot food, and a psychological support hotline for stranded motorists who are having trouble coping with the situation.

"(Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov) is making sure that all necessary measures are being taken and that all vital personnel in afflicted regions have everything they need, particularly for the warming stations and hot food distribution along the highway," a ministry spokesman said.

According to reports, the jam line was down from 125 miles to 34 by Sunday evening following efforts to remove the snow.