Amur tiger killed in road accident in Russia's Far East

VLADIVOSTOK, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- An Amur tiger, a critically endangered species, was fatally hit by a car on the federal A-370 highway in Russia's Far East late Wednesday, local authorities said.

The driver of the unidentified vehicle fled the scene after the collision, violating traffic regulations, said the local State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, quoted by TASS news agency.

The tiger died from its injuries, and its body has been handed over to wildlife specialists for further examination.

Authorities, including an investigative task force, are working to identify the vehicle and its driver.

Another tiger was reportedly seen near the location of the road accident, raising alarms for potential further incidents. Drivers traveling in the area are urged to exercise caution and maintain speeds that allow them to react quickly to wildlife on the roadway.

The Amur tigers, with an estimated population of 750, are listed as endangered in the Russian Red Data Book.