Oslo, Norway - A tragic bus crash occurred on December 26, resulting in three fatalities and multiple injuries near the picturesque Raftsundet strait, which separates the Lofoten archipelago from mainland Norway. The accident, which took place around 1:30 PM local time, involved 58 passengers touring the scenic region, known for its stunning natural beauty and as a popular winter destination for viewing the northern lights.
According to police reports, the tour bus veered off the road, ending up partially submerged in the icy lake. Local authorities quickly mobilized to the scene of the accident, activated their crisis-response team, and coordinated recovery efforts. Bent Are Eilertsen, a Nordland police officer, stated, "The priority now is to treat the injured and an investigation will be launched to clarify what transpired." The road conditions at the time of the incident were reportedly slippery with snow and ice, complicting the driver’s ability to maintain control and contributing to the crash.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore confirmed on December 28 their involvement with affected citizens. Fortunately, it reported no fatalities among Singaporean nationals, but some passengers did sustain minor injuries. The MFA has been aiding those affected through the Honorary Consul-General (HCG) based in Oslo. An official statement from the MFA highlighted, "Our HCG has been in touch with the local authorities," underscoring the swift action taken to provide assistance.
While the ministry did not disclose specific numbers, it has been actively supporting the injured passengers, including some Singaporeans. Reports indicate at least one Singaporean, who wished to be identified only as Ms. Zeng, shared her harrowing experience of the accident. The 33-year-old described the chaotic scene, saying, "Even though we were injured, they were minor. But we remained in a state of shock as we just escaped death." Ms. Zeng had been traveling with friends and relatives, and after the bus skidded multiple times, they experienced panic when the vehicle crashed, leading to significant injuries among her companions, including one who required seven stitches on her back.
The fatalities included two women, aged between their twenties and fifties, and a child aged between 10 and 12. Their identities have not yet been revealed as officials work through proper identification procedures. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Eilertsen noted the challenges of contacting relatives due to the diverse nationalities involved. The bus carried tourists hailing from various countries, including China, France, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, and South Sudan, with reports noting approximately 20 Chinese passengers were on board, all of whom were reportedly unharmed.
Following the accident, it was confirmed by the Norwegian embassy situated in Singapore there were no Singaporean casualties. While local media indicates some passengers have shared their stories on social media, recounting the devastating moments just after the crash, the foreign consulates continue to assist their nationals during this trying time. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also sent personnel to help their citizens affected by the incident, providing shelter and care to those relocated to local hotels.
Currently, the driver of the bus has been charged for violating the Road Traffic Act, with authorities alleging negligence attributed to poor road conditions. His driving license has been seized as investigations continue. Eilertsen emphasized, "The weather conditions were bad, complicting rescue operations." Rescuers faced not only the wintry elements but also the sheer number of passengers and their varying degrees of injury.
The bus has since been retrieved from the water, allowing for recovery and clearance operations to proceed efficiently as officials gather information to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Local authorities are committed to providing support and information to those impacted by the tragedy and ensuring comprehensive investigation protocols are observed to shed light on all circumstances surrounding the incident.
While the aftermath of this accident is still steeped in confusion and heartache, the efforts of both local services and international embassies reflect the singular nature of this tragedy, uniting multiple nations through the common thread of mourning and recovery.
