First snowfall triggers massive traffic accidents in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Seventeen traffic accidents occurred in Almaty, Kazakhstan, after the city saw its first snowfall of the season.

According to local authorities, six people were injured, but no fatalities were recorded, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media.

Snow began falling on the evening of November 4 at around 8 p.m. when temperatures hovered around +2°C. The snow cover reached about one centimetre in the city centre and up to 10 centimetres in the mountain areas.

The city administration said 918 units of special equipment and 2,550 workers were deployed overnight to treat roads, bridges, slopes, and bus stops with anti-icing materials.

Police officials noted that the main causes of the accidents were failure to maintain distance, excessive speed, and driver inattention.

“The first snow traditionally becomes a test for both drivers and pedestrians. Roads become slippery, and braking distances increase, but many drivers continue to move at their usual speed. We urge everyone to be extremely careful, reduce speed, and avoid sudden manoeuvres,” said Timur Nogaybayev, Deputy Head of the Almaty Department of Public Safety.

Authorities also reminded drivers to switch to winter tires and pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing streets.

By Khagan Isayev