A Volyn transport company evaded punishment for a fatal accident near Kovel.

The Kovel District Court has issued a verdict for van driver Lyubomyr Hladun regarding a fatal traffic accident. The accused lost control and veered off the roadway into a ditch, resulting in the death of his 34-year-old passenger. He has been sentenced to two years of probation.

According to the verdict dated December 18, the accident occurred on January 24, 2024, near the village of Stari Koshary in the Kovel district. At around 08:20, the driver of a Volkswagen LT 35 lost control and veered into a ditch, causing the van to overturn. As a result, the 34-year-old passenger sustained fatal injuries. Another passenger was also injured.

Lyubomyr Hladun, who was behind the wheel of the van, admitted his guilt. He explained that on January 24, he was transporting employees of the company in the service vehicle, but as they approached the turn to the village of Stari Koshary, the vehicle began to skid and veered off the road. According to him, he lost consciousness, and when he regained it, he saw that one of the passengers was lying under the vehicle. The victim was rescued and an ambulance was called, but the medics could only confirm the death. Lyubomyr Hladun stated that he is trying to assist the family of the deceased and has also covered the burial expenses for the 34-year-old resident of Kovel. He requested the minimum possible punishment, noting that he is married, raising a child, and his income is the family's only source of support.

Judge Marina Hridyayeva found Lyubomyr Hladun guilty under part 2 of Article 286 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of traffic rules resulting in the death of the victim), but granted him a reprieve from the main penalty and imposed a two-year suspended sentence. This decision can still be appealed in the appellate court.