A tragic bus accident occurred today in Hadsel, Norway, when a bus carrying 58 passengers veered off the E10 highway and plunged partially submergedinto Åsvatnet lake, leaving at least three individuals confirmed dead and four seriously injured.
According to Bent Are Eilertsen, head of Nordland Police District, the emergency services received reports of the serious incident around 1:30 PM and soon had mobilized multiple units to the scene. By 4 PM, three fatalities were confirmed, as search and rescue efforts continued amid harsh weather conditions marked by strong winds and heavy snowfall.
The bus, operated by Boreal Buss AS, was en route from Narvik to Lofoten when it reportedly went through the guardrail and fell down the slope. "It looks like the bus went through the railing and down the slope toward Åsvatnet," stated Ørjan Delbekk, the rescue leader for HRS Nord-Norge. The bus was found partially submerged, raising concerns about the number of people possibly trapped inside.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos. A local resident who arrived at the scene reported, "It was chaotic; they seemed to have control... There were many emergency vehicles, and people were stopping to help those who needed warmth." It was noted by others on the scene how numerous individuals had quickly rallied to offer assistance, providing warmth to passengers and organizing rescue operations.
Authorities indicated many passengers were foreign nationals, adding to the urgency and complexity of the rescue efforts. Martin Reberg, the managing director at Boreal Buss AS, confirmed the bus involved was one of their regular service vehicles. "This is a serious incident, and we have activated crisis management. We are cooperating with the emergency services and providing all available resources," Reberg stated.
Following the accident, the nearby Nordland Hospital activated its disaster plan; Randi Angelsen, the communication chief for the hospital, noted additional medical professionals had been called to assist. Consequently, families were directed to crisis centers established at the hospital and the Thon Hotel in Svolvær, ensuring they could receive support and information.
Local officials quickly organized crisis management teams, with Hadsel Municipality collaborating with Vågan Municipality to coordinate resources. Vice Mayor Renate Eriksen conveyed the community's commitment to supporting those affected, emphasizing, "We are working closely with Vågan and the police; the most important thing now is to support the affected."
The full scale of the accident's impact is gradually coming to light. Eyewitness accounts recount the frantic moments as the rescue teams worked through challenging conditions. Resident testimonies indicate the atmosphere was filled with both worry and action as help was mobilized from various emergency services, including helicopters from Tromsø and Bodø, alongside support from the Red Cross.
While some passengers were evacuated to safety and moved to nearby schools, efforts to recover those unaccounted for proceeded. Local authorities confirmed, "We have set up reception centers for the relatives at the hotel, with counselors and officials on hand to assist with any immediate needs these families may have."
This situation is still developing as emergency crews and medical professionals coordinate to manage the aftermath effectively. With snow and wind challenging recovery operations, the full details surrounding how and why this tragedy occurred are under investigation.
The local community stands united during this tragic time, offering support to one another as they grapple with the loss and fear stemming from this catastrophic accident. Northern Norway’s picturesque location has been marred by this incident as it not only impacts the victims and their families but reverberates throughout the community.
