Bus accident in Norway. Three people are dead

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon on the E10 route near Hadsel in the Lofoten Islands. According to witnesses, the driver did not control the vehicle, which broke the protective barriers, after which the bus fell into the lake and partially sank.

Police report that road conditions at the time of the accident were terrible. Visibility was limited by a snowstorm, the road was covered with ice, and wind gusts reached up to 100 km/h.

Rescuers confirm the death of three people, and the condition of four injured people is described as critical.

There were 58 people traveling in the bus, most of them foreigners. Police say they come from India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Netherlands, France and South Sudan. The Chinese embassy in Oslo, quoted by VG, confirmed that at least twenty passengers were Chinese citizens. There is no information that Poles were among the injured.

The rescue operation continues. Helicopters from Tromso and Bodo and a unit of the Norwegian Civil Defense are taking part. However, service representatives emphasize that in very difficult weather conditions, the most important help was provided by the local population.

– Many private people arrived at the scene of the incident. They were well ahead of the emergency services. Their action on site was crucial for the lives and health of the injured, Lars Nedrevag, rescue manager in the Nordland region, told NTB.

A strong storm is passing over northern Norway. Up to half a meter of snow may fall in the region where the accident occurred over the next 12 hours. The meteorological services issued a warning about winds, the gusts of which may reach 100 km/h.