Bus Plunges into River in St. Petersburg, Russia, Killing Seven: Investigation Launched

A bus swerved through traffic, veered off a bridge, and tragically plunged into the Moika River, leaving seven people dead, according to officials. The incident occurred in St. Petersburg, the country’s second-largest city.

Although the Investigative Committee, Russia’s top criminal investigations body, did not provide details about the number of injuries, the emergencies ministry stated that six people who were pulled from the bus were in critical or serious condition.

Furthermore, reports from local news sources stated that the city bus was carrying 15 to 20 passengers when it broke through a barrier and fell into the river. Fortunately, six individuals managed to escape the sinking vehicle.

A surveillance video released by Russian media displayed harrowing scenes leading to the accident. The video showed the bus speeding, making a sharp turn onto the bridge, swerving across lanes, colliding with another vehicle, and ultimately smashing through the barrier and plunging into the water.

Witnesses recognized the bravery of bystanders who jumped into the water to aid in the rescue of trapped passengers. One witness, speaking in Russian, mentioned that these individuals “just dove in with their clothes on and helped.”

Authorities in St. Petersburg revealed that the bus owner had received 23 fines for various violations. The majority of the city’s bus services are operated by private companies.

Additionally, another eyewitness speculated that the bus driver was either steering erratically or had experienced brake failure.

Authorities promptly detained the bus driver, while his wife, cited in Russian media, claimed that he was forced to work a morning shift after already completing a 20-hour shift the previous day, with minimal rest.

As a result of the tragic incident, an investigation has been launched to determine potential traffic violations and the provision of unsafe travel services.

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