Deadly Bus Crash in Russia: Seven Killed, Dozens Injured

A bus carrying 15 passengers plunged into a river in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives. The accident, believed to be caused by traffic violations and unsafe travel services, also left dozens injured, many in critical or serious condition.

A tragic bus accident in St. Petersburg, Russia, has claimed the lives of seven people and injured dozens more. The incident occurred on Friday when a bus veered off a bridge and plunged into the Moika River.

The Investigative Committee, Russia's top criminal investigations body, reported the death toll. It did not state how many others were injured, but the emergencies ministry earlier said that six people removed from the bus were in critical or serious condition.

Russian news reports indicate that there were 15 people on the city bus when it broke through a barrier and fell into the river. Six of those who were onboard climbed out of the water on their own.

Surveillance video released by the Russian media showed the bus driving fast, making a sharp turn onto the bridge, and colliding with another vehicle before breaking through the barrier and falling into the water.

Authorities in St. Petersburg revealed that the owner of the bus had been fined 23 times for various violations. Private companies operate most of the city's bus services.

The bus driver has been detained by police. His wife is quoted by Russian media as saying that managers forced him to work a morning shift after working for 20 hours the previous day and getting virtually no rest.

Officials have opened a criminal investigation into alleged traffic violations and unsafe travel services.

The accident has sparked widespread concern and anger in Russia. Many have raised questions about the safety of public transportation in the country and the need for stricter regulations.

President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the victims' families and ordered authorities to provide necessary assistance to the injured.

Mayor Alexander Beglov of St. Petersburg declared a day of mourning on Saturday to commemorate the victims of the tragedy.

The bus crash is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for authorities to prioritize measures to prevent such incidents. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.