Vladimir Putin’s personal chauffeur has been killed in Moscow after the presidential BMW collided head-on with a Mercedes.

The Russian President was not in the car at the time.

The driver, named only as MK, was said to be Mr Putin’s favourite chauffeur and had 40 years of experience as an official driver.

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The crash on Kutuzovsky Avenue, in the west of the capital, was caught on CCTV. It shows the presidential vehicle struck by a car that veered onto the wrong side of the road at high speed.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, but have not given any further details about the crash.

It took several hours to clean up the debris and a long traffic jam was formed while the road was closed.

Paramedics arrived at the scene but announced Mr Putin’s chauffeur had been killed instantly.

The driver of the Mercedes survived the crash but was treated at hospital for serious injuries, according to Russian newspaper Moskovskij Komsomolets.

The BMW 7-Series was the official property of the Federation Council, also known as the Upper Chamber of Parliament or Russian Senate.

Mr Putin is scheduled to receive the first Russian-built “Kortezh” luxury limousine next year. Unlike “The Beast”, US President Barack Obama’s armour-plated vehicle, “Kortezh” will be on sale to the public as well.

Venas News reports the doors on the “Kortezh” will be 10 times thicker than the average car. It will also have its own oxygen supply system.