Local emergency department officials have stated that a bus in Saint Petersburg, Russia, plunged into the Moika River on Friday afternoon (May 10) after making a sharp turn, resulting in the deaths of seven passengers and multiple injuries.
According to reports from Reuters and the BBC, the accident occurred on the Potseluev Bridge over the Moika River. The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed the number of deaths. Earlier reports indicated that six people were injured on the bus, which was carrying approximately twenty passengers.
The bus was nearly completely submerged in the water after falling into the river, with rescue personnel standing on the roof of the vehicle. Nearby rescue boats and ambulances were present on the bridge.
Footage released by authorities showed the bus apparently losing control while making a sharp turn during transit, colliding with a car before breaking through the bridge railing and falling into the river.
The bus driver has been detained, as reported by TASS. Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the cause of the accident.
The Emergency Ministry stated on social media, “Rescuers managed to save nine people from the partially submerged bus.” However, subsequent reports indicated multiple fatalities.
Several bystanders jumped into the water to assist in the rescue operation, and local officials expressed gratitude for their courageous actions.
According to Russian reports, residents Idris Gadzhiev, Shahban Jabrailov, and Muhammad Hasanov all jumped into the river to aid in the rescue efforts.
Gadzhiev told the Fontanka website, “We were driving to Friday prayers when we saw the bus fall into the river.”
Mr. Jabrailov stated, “We are not heroes, just fulfilling our civic duty.”
Subsequent footage released by authorities showed emergency service personnel using heavy machinery to lift the bus out of the river.
The emergency department later announced that the rescue operation had been completed. The incident occurred in the center of Saint Petersburg, approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the State Hermitage Museum.