A tragic bus accident occurred near Raftsundet, Norway, on December 26, resulting in several fatalities and numerous injuries. A long-distance bus carrying 58 passengers veered off the snowy highway and plunged partially submerged in Lake Åsvatnet around 1:30 PM local time.
According to local authorities, the bus was transporting foreign tourists from eight different countries, including China, France, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and South Sudan. Police reported on Thursday afternoon the unfortunate toll: three individuals lost their lives, and four sustained serious injuries amid challenging weather conditions.
Bent Are Eilertsen, chief of staff at the Nordland Police District, stated, "The priority now is to treat the injured and an investigation will be launched to clarify what transpired." Strong winds and snow drifts hampered rescue operations, compliceting efforts on the ground. Emergency responders faced harsh weather, which posed significant challenges for helicopter operations.
The bus, which had departed from Narvik and was heading toward Solvaer, lost control due to icy conditions, crashing through the guardrail and sliding down the embankment before landing partially submerged. Eyewitness accounts mentioned the bus's difficult recovery from the water, as emergency crews worked tirelessly to evacuate all passengers safely. Some of the seriously injured were airlifted to regional hospitals, and others were taken to nearby shelters, including local schools.
Among the passengers were approximately 20 Chinese tourists, five of whom suffered minor injuries. The Chinese Embassy confirmed it was maintaining communication with the injured tourists, ensuring their safe departure and providing necessary assistance.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commented on the accident, expressing deep condolences to the families affected. "I think everyone in Norway is affected by what we are now hearing from Hadsel," he told national broadcaster NRK, urging the national community to support those impacted by the tragedy.
The Lofoten archipelago, known for its breathtaking winter landscapes and as a hotspot for northern lights tourism, finds itself at the center of this tragic event. Authorities are set to launch an investigation soon to determine the specific causes behind the bus accident, as police efforts also focus on contacting relatives of the victims and the injured amid concerns over the lack of complete passenger lists due to the varying nationalities on board.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by adverse weather conditions and the importance of safety measures for transporting large groups, particularly during winter months. The community mourns the loss of the three individuals and keeps the survivors and their families in its thoughts during this challenging time.
Rescue operations continue as the investigation begins, and local authorities pledge to support all affected by this heartrending occurrence. The hope is for swift healing and recovery for those injured, as the community and the country come to terms with this tragedy.
