Siberian locals were accused of endangering lives with makeshift wooden car sledges.

Residents were seen tying ropes from snowmobiles to a car before pulling it down a slope and towing it across the frozen surface of the Pechora River on January 6.

Footage shows the cars being manoeuvred onto the ice, with a winter vehicle leading the way.

Such practices have raised safety concerns, as the thickness and stability of river ice can vary, posing potential hazards.

Driving on frozen rivers is common in Siberia, where winter conditions often necessitate alternative transportation methods.

However, authorities said using makeshift sledges to tow cars behind snowmobiles is considered particularly dangerous due to the risk of ice breaking or accidents.

Officials typically advise against such methods, recommending the use of established ice roads or bridges where available to ensure safety during winter travel.