Massive jam maroons thousands of Russian drivers

Russian helicopters fly over thousands of cars and trucks stuck in a massive traffic jam caused by heavy snow northwest of Moscow.

Some of the trucks have been there for three days, prompting officials to visit the region and start organising aid for the drivers.

Although there is some food being handed out, drivers worried about running out of gas needed to keep them from freezing in the wintry weather.

Russian emergency minister Vladimir Puchkov said conditions are likely to worsen, which means the stuck drivers will need more supplies in the coming days.

The trucks are lined up along a highway connecting the capital and St. Petersburg, Russia's second biggest city.

Russian authorities have been accused of reacting slowly to major disasters, with tensions high after President Vladimir Putin dismissed two ministers in November.