A tragic bus accident occurred near Raftsundet Strait on Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring four others. The accident took place around 13:30 local time (12:30 GMT) on the E10 road, which connects the popular Lofoten archipelago to the Norwegian mainland. According to local police, the bus was carrying 58 passengers, many of whom were foreign nationals.
Reports indicate the bus slid off the road and crashed through barriers, ending up partially submerged in Åsvatnet lake, creating panic among the passengers and onlookers. Eyewitnesses described the frantic scene of chaos immediately following the incident, stating, "There were lots of cars there. People stopped and let people inside to warm up," as rescue teams rushed to help.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash were severe, with strong winds and heavy snow drifts complicate rescue operations. Bent Are Eilertsen, a police officer from Nordland, stated, "The priority now is to treat the injured and an investigation will be launched to clarify what transpired." This highlights the urgent efforts to prioritize the care of those injured as well as the investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
Emergency services, including firefighters and police, were quick to respond, evacuate passengers, and transport the injured to safety. Instead of remaining with the wreckage, many passengers were taken to local facilities, including nearby schools designated for shelter during such crises. Some victims were critically injured and required airlifting to Stokmarknes Hospital for immediate medical assistance.
The bus was operated by Boreal Buss AS and was reportedly on its way from Narvik to Lofoten at the time of the accident. The company’s general manager, Martin Reberg, confirmed their involvement and stated, "This is a serious incident, and we have set up a crisis team." This response exemplifies the company's commitment to addressing the situation for the affected families and supporting the victims throughout the ordeal.
Authorities face challenges not just from the physical conditions caused by the weather but also from administrative issues, as police reported difficulties reaching the families of those involved due to the absence of a comprehensive passenger list. It is confirmed passengers represented numerous nationalities, including participants from China, France, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, India, South Sudan, and Norway—highlighting the event's international impact.
This tragic occurrence has elicited reactions from local leaders, with the mayor of the nearby Vågan district setting up crisis support facilities for families of the victims. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his condolences, referring to the incident as "a very serious situation" and emphasizing the community's support for those affected by this tragedy.
The Lofoten archipelago, known for its stunning natural beauty and popular for winter tourism, particularly to view the northern lights, now faces the painful aftermath of this event. The affected region has seen its popularity grow among international tourists due to its scenic vistas and opportunities for adventure. The ramifications of the crash might impact tourism patterns and local operations as stakeholders assess the safety measures necessary to prevent such disasters.
Investigations are underway to determine the crash's specifics fully; police are especially vigilant about assessing how weather conditions contributed to the accident. The police confirmed bad weather as reported, but their thorough inquiry will look at all elements surrounding the incident.
Overall, this bus accident has shocked many, not just for the immediate loss of life but also for how it brings to light the risks inherent when traveling during adverse weather conditions. The focus now remains squarely on supporting the victims and their families as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. Local authorities, emergency services, and community members alike are mobilized to provide all necessary support and assistance, relieved only to see the extent of damages handled efficiently under difficult circumstances.
