A Fatal Bus Accident on the E10 Highway in Hadsel, Norway, has left three dead and four seriously injured, with 58 individuals involved overall, leading to extensive rescue efforts from local emergency services.
The accident, which occurred around 1:45 PM local time, involved a bus belonging to Boreal, confirmed Jon Kristian Fadnes, the communication officer for the bus company. The vehicle veered off the road and ended up partially submerged in Åsvatnet, near Raftsund, as reports emerged from various local news sources.
Authorities, including the Nordland police district, reported the grim toll of three confirmed fatalities and four people transported to Stokmarknes Hospital via the SAR Queen rescue helicopter. According to Bent Are Eilertsen, from Nordland police district, "the bus lies partially under water," adding to the challenges faced by the first responders on site.
The bus was carrying passengers from at least eight different nationalities, many of whom were tourists. Local police were notified shortly after 1:30 PM, triggering immediate responses from all emergency services, including the Red Cross. Rescue efforts escalated due to treacherous weather conditions affecting the northern region of Norway, including strong winds of over 30 meters per second.
Emergency responders have faced logistical challenges due to the inclement weather, which hampered the arrival of helicopters at the accident scene. There were crowded conditions reported at the site of the accident as local emergency services worked alongside national authorities to transport those injured to nearby healthcare facilities. The Nordland Hospital declared a disaster alarm, calling for additional resources to assist with the crisis.
Municipal authorities of Hadsel and its neighboring Vågan have activated their crisis management teams to handle the situation, ensuring coordination between health services and the police. Renathe Eriksen, the deputy mayor of Hadsel, remarked, "Our priority now is to care for those affected by this tragic accident and to support the emergency services on site."
Local residents have also mobilized to assist, with the Thon Hotel Svolvær serving as a reception center for families awaiting news of their loved ones.
Vidar Thom Benjaminsen, mayor of Vågan, expressed the emotional toll of the situation, noting, "It’s very tough. We are still assessing the situation and beginning to implement our plans for the affected individuals and their families," showing solidarity with those impacted.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed his condolences, stating, "My thoughts are with all those involved and affected by this devastating bus accident. It is a very serious situation, confirmed fatalities and severe injuries." He praised the efforts of the police, healthcare professionals, and volunteers working diligently at the site to save lives.
This tragic event serves as painful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced when traveling. The response from local agencies underlines the importance of community solidarity and the resilience needed to navigate through such crises. Stakeholders are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the victims and their families during this urgent and complex situation.
Currently, discussions are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, with investigations likely to be initiated by local authorities and the national transportation department. Eilertsen indicated challenges faced due to the lack of passenger lists complicates the situation, intensifying the need for careful tracking of the individuals involved.
We will continue to monitor this developing story, as authorities aim to provide clarity and support for those directly and indirectly affected by this tragic incident.