BARNAUL, November 16 - The Zonalny district court in Russia`s Altai territory held a preliminary hearing on Tuesday in the fatal car crash which killed Altai governor Mikhail Yevdokimov and another two persons. The trial behind closed doors is due to begin on November 22.

Representatives of the prosecution and the defense were present at the five-hour Tuesday hearing.

The criminal case over Yevdokimov`s death was opened under the article on violation of traffic regulations which caused the death of two or more persons.

Prosecutors brought charges against railwayman Oleg Shcherbinsky, the driver of the Toyota, which had brushed against the governor`s car, diverting it off the road to ram into a tree.

Shcherbinsky did not admit his guilt. If convicted, he may face up to seven years in prison.

The fatal crash occurred on the Biisk-Barnaul highway in the Zonalny district on August 7, when a Toyota carrying five persons was making a left turn, a higher risk maneuver in right hand traffic countries.

Governor Mikhail Yevdokimov, his driver Ivan Zuyev and guard Alexander Ustinov were killed in the accident. Yevdokimov`s wife, Galina, has been in a Barnaul hospital since.
sections: Society, Accidents, Region News, Celebrities
areas: Siberian region