Car Carrying Migrants Who Illegally Crossed the Border From Belarus Crashes in Latvia

Reform.news Editorial Team · 25 September 2026, 17:57

https://reform.news/en/car-carrying-migrants-who-illegally-crossed-the-border-from-belarus-crashes-in-latvia/

A vehicle transporting migrants crashed in Latvia’s Madona Municipality while fleeing from police. Police officers spotted the car speeding within a built-up area.

The driver failed to comply with police orders to stop and attempted to flee, but the car left the road and crashed. According to the Latvian State Police press service, two nationals of Afghanistan and Iran who had previously crossed the Latvian-Belarusian border illegally were inside the vehicle.

The incident occurred on September 24 at around [time]. In a town where the speed limit is 50 km/h, the driver of a Mazda was travelling at 74 km/h. He also ignored a stop sign. Police attempted to stop the vehicle using lights and sirens, but the driver continued driving. The pursuit continued through Madona Municipality, and at kilometre 31 of the P37 road, the car left the road and crashed.

The driver was a Moldovan national born in 1993. The vehicle also carried two men born in 2010 and 1994, nationals of Afghanistan and Iran. All three sustained injuries and were taken to a medical facility. After examination, they were handed over to officers of the Latvian State Border Guard.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the driver under an article concerning the intentional facilitation of the illegal stay of two or more people in Latvia. The case materials will also be forwarded to the Border Guard for further procedural action. Two people were detained for illegally crossing the state border.

Latvian police are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident.