ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – A horrifying accident occurred as a bus carrying 20 passengers veered off a bridge and plunged into a river in St. Petersburg, according to Russian media reports. The out-of-control vehicle fatally collided with a car and fell into the Moika River, resulting in at least three deaths. Investigations indicate the mishap occurred following the bus careening through oncoming traffic and smashing into the bridge’s barrier.
Footage of the incident shows shocked bystanders rushing towards the bus, numbered 262, sinking into the river, with only the roof visible above the water line until it was extracted by crane.
Emergency responders were swiftly at the scene. They managed to pull nine people from the river while the wreckage was still visible, including three casualties. Four of the rescued individuals are reportedly in a critical state, and two more are seriously injured. An additional six passengers managed to escape the submerged vehicle themselves.
The police arrested the bus driver who survived the crash and was among those who self-extricated, pending further questioning. Meanwhile, heroic locals jumped into the river, aiding the rescue by pulling victims out of the bus.
Critics point their fingers at the vehicle’s owner, who was reportedly fined 23 times for different violations within St. Petersburg city, where private firms predominantly manage public bus services. The driver’s wife allegedly revealed to local media that the driver was compelled to work a shift the morning after working 20 continuous hours the day before.
Subsequent to the tragic event, government authorities initiated a criminal study into possible offences concerning traffic violation and unsafe travel amenities. Governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander Beglov, has personally overseen the multilayered operational response. He assured reporters prompt assistance is being provided to the victims as the city’s transport committee investigates why the driver lost control while navigating from Bolshaya Morskaya Street to Potseluev ‘Kissing’ Bridge.