A tragic bus accident on the second day of Christmas, December 26, has claimed three lives and left several others injured near Hadsel, Norway. The bus, which was on its route between Narvik and the Lofoten Islands, veered off the E10 road and fell down a slope, ending up partially submerged in Lake Åsvatnet. The accident occurred during severe weather conditions, with heavy snowfall and strong winds hampering rescue operations.
According to reports, approximately 58 passengers were on board, many of whom were tourists from various countries including China, Singapore, and Malaysia. Norwegian authorities stated there were difficulties contacting the victims' families due to the absence of detailed passenger lists. Among the passengers, it was confirmed by the Chinese embassy in Oslo, there were 20 Chinese nationals.
The police indicated the accident took place around 1:30 PM local time and emergency services quickly responded to the scene. Witnesses reported seeing the bus partially submerged and rescue teams faced challenges due to the adverse weather conditions. “The bus lies partially underwater,” stated Örjan Delbekk, the rescue leader, highlighting the exceptional difficulties encountered by first responders.
Initially, other motorists were the first to arrive on the scene, providing shelter to survivors from the biting wind and snow, using their vehicles and even opening the back of a truck trailer to keep them warm. Emergency services from the region mobilized immediately, with many dedicated professionals and volunteers participating. Two individuals were airlifted to the hospital, and another nine required ambulance transport to Stokmarknes Hospital.
Once the initial chaos subsided, several survivors were housed temporarily at a nearby school before being moved to hotels. Local hospitals declared states of emergency to accommodate the influx of patients, setting up care centers for the families of the deceased and injured.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Störe described the accident as “a very serious situation” and extended his condolences to the victims' families. His statements pointed toward the significance of the loss and underscored the responsive actions of emergency services. He expressed gratitude to police and rescue personnel for their relentless efforts, stating how much they have contributed to handling the situation.
Reports from the Norwegian media outlined the widespread impact of the accident, especially highlighting how popular the area for observing the Northern Lights has become, enhancing the tragedy due to the mixture of domestic and international tourists.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the precise circumstances surrounding the crash, including assessing the bus's condition and the factors leading to its departure from the roadway. Local police have since established hotlines for families seeking information about their loved ones and have reiterated their commitment to provide all necessary support.
The accident has drawn significant media attention, both nationally and internationally. It serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with traveling during severe weather conditions. Facilities for assisting affected families and survivors of the crash are already being set up, as the community and country come together during this difficult time.
