A tragic accident occurred on Boxing Day when a tourist bus plunged off the road and partially submerged in Åsvatnet lake, somewhere near the Raftsundet strait, Norway, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
The bus, which was carrying approximately 58 to 70 passengers, went off the E10 road, skidding off the icy surface during severe weather conditions, particularly facing strong winds and heavy snow drifts. Local police reported at least three people have died, with many others seriously injured.
The incident happened around 1:30 PM local time. Emergency services rushed to the scene as soon as they were alerted, and witnesses described chaos and panic as locals and rescuers sprang to action. One local resident, Freddy Andreassen, who assisted at the scene, shared his heartbreaking account: “People were screaming and in shock. I backed the trailer so people could get shelter from the wind. Then I see there is a lifeless woman lying on the ground, and we can’t find a pulse.”
Among the passengers were individuals hailing from at least eight different countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Norway. The Chinese embassy confirmed some 20 nationals were on board, with the local police also pointing out the significant presence of foreign tourists, drawn to Norway for its scenic winter landscapes.
“What complicates the situation is the weather,” said police representatives, explaining how strong winds and snow led to treacherous driving conditions. The bus was owned by Boreal Buss AS and was reportedly on its way from Narvik to Lofoten—a popular destination known for its stunning views and northern lights.
Emergency services implemented swift evacuation procedures. Some injured passengers were taken to the Nordland hospital, and others were brought to local shelters like nearby schools or community centers to warm up.
Nordland communications manager Randi Angelsen noted the initiative of local volunteers who provided aid, stating, “Additional resources including personnel, ambulances, helicopters and aircraft resources have been called to transport injured people to the hospital.”
Martin Reberg, the general manager of Boreal Buss AS, expressed deep concern over the incident, underscoring their collaboration with emergency services: “This is a serious incident, and we have set up a crisis team here at Boreal. We’re cooperating with the emergency services and are committed to assisting with all available resources.”
Reports from the scene painted distressing pictures of the aftermath, particularly for those who viewed the wreckage. Photojournalists described the chaos, stating, “There was very strong wind and dense snow drifts when I arrived at the scene.” This aligns with information highlighting how weather conditions had significantly affected drivers' visibility and vehicle handling.
The rescue efforts drew on both regional emergency services and volunteers, reiterative of the community spirit witnessed during crises. Bent Are Eilertsen, Chief of Staff of the Nordland Police District, confirmed the rapid action taken, remarking on the team's coordination: “The safety and emergency management team is involved thoroughly, as we manage the public transport operations and coordinate responses.”
%Additional challenges arose from the complex logistics involved with rescue operations due to the bus being partially submerged. For those trapped inside or needing immediate medical attention, every second counted. Various media reports confirmed injuries ranged from minor to severe, with some wounded transported via helicopter.
The event highlights the risk factors associated with winter travel, particularly for foreign travelers unfamiliar with Norwegian road conditions. It serves as a sobering reminder for continued emphasis on transportation safety measures and for travelers to remain vigilant about the effects of extreme weather when on the road.
Local efforts continued post-incident as authorities emphasized the need for thorough investigations to determine what could have been done to prevent this tragedy. The outpouring of support for the victims and their families indicates the deep impact of the accident on the community. Aid and condolences from various organizations and nations have begun to flow to the region as it seeks to heal from this significant loss.
The situation remains dynamic as recovery and support efforts continue, focusing on both the immediate needs of those affected and longer-term assessments of safety protocols on Norwegian roads during winter.
