A tragic accident unfolded on December 26, 2024, when a bus carrying 58 passengers crashed on the E10 highway in northern Norway, resulting in at least three fatalities and four serious injuries. The vehicle veered off the road and partially entered a lake near Hadsel, as severe winter weather posed challenges for rescue operations.
According to local authorities, the bus was en route from Narvik to the popular Lofoten Islands, known for their breathtaking scenery and winter tourism. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the front of the bus submerged and water seeping inside. One eyewitness recounted, "The situation was quite serious, as the front of the bus was in the water... many passengers were totally in shock," reflecting the harrowing conditions amid screams for help.
Rescue teams responded swiftly, but faced complications from strong winds and snow. Norwegian emergency services managed to evacuate passengers, transporting some to nearby hospitals and others to safety at a local school. Four people were reported to have sustained severe injuries, and the response included helicopters to transport wounded individuals to medical facilities.
The bus passengers were noted to include several international tourists from countries such as Singapore, China, India, Malaysia, and the Netherlands,adding layers of complexity to the situation. The Chinese Ambassador to Norway confirmed approximately twenty Chinese nationals were on board, indicating the wide-reaching impact of the tragedy.
Authorities struggled to contact the victims' families due to the lack of detailed passenger lists, which was made harder by the variety of nationalities represented on the bus. Bent Are Eilertsen, a police officer from Nordland, mentioned, "It's difficult to reach family members because of the incomplete passenger list and the several nationalities involved." This situation complicates the already sensitive task of informing loved ones of the unfortunate circumstances.
The accident reportedly occurred just after 1:30 PM local time, with many onlookers rushing to break windows and assist those trapped inside the vehicle. Eyewitness accounts indicate people were providing blankets and comfort to those affected, illustrating the community's immediate response to lend support.
Noorwegian Meteorological Institute had previously warned of potential storms, landslides, and avalanches, which raises questions about whether the poor weather may have played a role in causing the bus to lose control. Shortly after the accident, local hospitals activated disaster response protocols to manage the influx of injured passengers.
The Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his condolences and solidarity during this challenging time, stating, "I think everyone in Norway is affected by the news coming from Hadsel. This is very serious... There are deaths and people severely injured. What we need to do first is to support them through this tragedy." His heartfelt remarks resonate throughout the nation, uniting the public's grief with the impact on those directly involved.
Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash, and updates on the situation are being closely monitored by local authorities. The resolve of emergency services and the community's response showcases the human spirit's resilience, even amid such heart-wrenching circumstances.
With the Lofoten Islands being one of Norway's most cherished destinations during winter, the accident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by treacherous weather conditions and the importance of safety measures for travelers.
Authorities will continue to investigate the accident and provide updates to the public and families of the passengers as more information becomes available. Support services are also being put in place for the survivors and families affected by this devastating incident.
