Math teacher's arson trial resumes with dramatic witness testimony
The trial of Sergei Lebed, a math teacher accused of setting fire to a diesel locomotive, resumed on March 12 at the Komi Supreme Court. A witness testified via video link, describing the night of the incident in detail.
The witness, a second engineer on the Syktyvkar–Mikun tourist steam train, arrived at his post between 10:30 and 10:40 PM. The diesel locomotive was parked and fully operational, scheduled to depart at around 5:00 AM the next morning.
At some point during the night, the witness heard a loud bang. He then saw a man running away from the locomotive, which was engulfed in flames. The fire was contained to the driver's cabin, thanks to the crew's quick response in extinguishing it. The suspect, dressed entirely in black, was tall and stocky, with a visible cut or burn on one hand and minor bleeding. Depot staff and the assistant engineer detained him shortly after the incident. His clothes smelled strongly of fuel, likely gasoline or diesel, and his jacket had caught fire from the blast wave. During the investigation, a lighter, a half-empty diesel canister, and a cloth rag soaked in accelerant were found near the locomotive. An empty fuel canister, a full one, and a backpack were also discovered at the scene. These items could serve as key evidence, potentially linking Lebed to the arson through fingerprints and establishing intent under the prosecution's charges. The witness later identified the defendant, Sergei Lebed, as the man who fled the scene that night.
The trial continues as prosecutors build their case against Lebed. The evidence, including the items found near the locomotive and the witness's testimony, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks.
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