A tragic bus accident occurred on the E10 highway near Hadsel, Nordland, on December 26, 2023, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring four others critically. The bus, operated by Boreal, was carrying 58 passengers, including tourists from various countries, when it veered off the road around 1:45 PM and landed partially submerged in Åsvatnet, a nearby lake. According to the Nordland police, the crash site was chaotic, and many passengers, panicked and injured, needed immediate assistance.
Emergency services received the alert shortly after 1:30 PM. Upon their arrival at the scene, they found conditions were severe due to heavy snowfall and strong winds, which complicated rescue efforts. Bent Are Eilertsen, the chief of the Nordland police district, reported, “We have been faced with difficult weather conditions, making our response time longer. The bus is lying at quite a dangerous angle, partially submerged.”
Local residents, including Kim Alexander Bjerknes, who was on holiday nearby, were among the first to respond, arriving shortly after the accident. “We saw the flashing lights and quickly realized something serious had happened,” he stated. Bjerknes noted seeing at least 15 emergency vehicles and reported, “It’s heartbreaking to think of those onboard.”
Witness Fredriksen described the scene, recalling: “We saw the bus unable to make the turn and it went off the road, tumbling down the embankment.” After rushing to the bus, he and others broke windows to help passengers escape, remarking on the desperation and fear faced by many. “It was chaotic, with people screaming and trying to get out,” he added.
The involved bus was reportedly carrying passengers from at least eight different nations, including citizens from China, India, and the Netherlands. Communication with foreign consulates has been complicated, as Eilertsen explained, “We are facing challenges reaching relatives of those onboard due to the lack of passenger lists and the diversity of nationalities.”
Emergency services, including the Sivilforsvaret and local fire brigades, were urgently mobilized, and two rescue helicopters were dispatched from Bodø and Tromsø. Randi Angelsen, spokesperson for the Nordland hospital, confirmed the hospital had enacted their emergency protocols, stating, “We have called for all available resources to handle incoming casualties.”
The bus is reported to have landed precariously under water, creating fears of more casualties as the team works to evacuate survivors. Despite significant rescue efforts, conditions remain hazardous, and the authorities warned the death toll could increase, stating, “We have not yet formed a complete picture of either casualties or injuries.”
A family assistance center has been established at the Richard With Hotel, which will also serve as the site for incoming relatives seeking news about their loved ones. “Our priority is to support the families and keep them informed. It’s tragic news for our community,” said Renathe Eriksen, deputy mayor of Hadsel.
Authorities expressed their gratitude to civilians who risked their safety to assist victims at the crash site before professional help could arrive. “The actions of these individuals greatly aided our efforts and likely saved lives,” commented Lars Nedrevåg, rescue leader at HRS Nord-Norge.
The government has also spoken out, with Prime Minister Støre expressing condolences and support for affected families, stating, “Tragic news from Hadsel today, our thoughts are with those affected by this serious bus accident.”
Less than five hours after the accident, the police department continues to manage the crisis closely, with information being disseminated through the local media concerning updates on the situation. A missing person contact line has been established for anyone seeking information about relatives involved: 815 02 800.
The local community has rallied to help, and the towns of Hadsel and Vågan are working closely to address immediate needs, with educational facilities like the Hanøy school opening their doors as temporary shelters for those impacted by the incident.
Throughout Nordland, people are mourning the unexpected loss and offering support to each other during this heartbreaking time. While the investigation continues, townsfolk are left grappling with the tragedy and the need for healing.
