Ukrainian oligarch whose daughter killed six people in car crash begs families to forgive her

'On our knees we are asking families of the perished and injured in this horrific road accident to forgive our daughter,' says energy mogul

Ms Zaitzeva apologises for the crash and the people who have “suffered” because of it (EPA)

The Ukrainian oligarch whose daughter killed five people and injured six in a car crash has begged the family of those killed to forgive her.

Alyona Zaitseva, 20, allegedly jumped a red light while driving at 60mph before crashing into pedestrians at a crossroads and flipping her own car over.

Gruelling photos of the aftermath of the collision, which took place in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv last week, showed the mangled 4x4 vehicle surrounded by bodies scattered across the pavement and injured people.

Ms Zaitseva, the daughter of energy company multimillionaire Vasily Zaitsev, could face up to 10 years in jail, the MailOnline reports, and has been detained for two months until her trial takes place.

Mr Zaistev, who is the CEO of Ukrenergochormet, has issued an emotional plea for those affected by the collision to forgive his daughter.

“A terrible tragedy has taken the lives of people. Words cannot describe the terror and grief for the perished and injured,” Mr Zaitsev told MailOnline.

“On our knees we are asking families of the perished and injured in this horrific road accident to forgive our daughter.”

The local property and energy mogul added: “We will do everything we can for the families of the perished. We are raising money and are ready to provide financial assistance. It is terrible, and there are no words to express feelings when you lose loved ones.”

The funerals of the four women and one man who were killed in the collision are being hosted by relatives.

Local media report Ms Zaitseva’s driving history shows a series of minor offences. Lawyers acting for her are reportedly “working” with the victims’ families, a legal expert told Vesti Ukraine TV.

Ivan Liberman told the channel the purpose of this move could be to help Ms Zaitseva eschew jail by sorting out compensation for the victims, saying: “Unfortunately, money can shut many mouths here”.

He added: “Both injured people and relatives of the deceased can go to a notary office and sign statements that they received compensation and don’t have any claims against the driver”.

He said he has witnessed a previous case where $1.5m (£1.1m) was forked out in compensation.

Reports suggest the status of the Volkswagen driver who was hit in the collision could potentially be altered from witness to suspect in the investigation.

Ms Zaitzeva has apologised for the crash and the people who have “suffered” because of it.