Horrifying moment: an out-of-control bus crashes into a car and then plunges off a bridge into a river with twenty passengers on board. Seven people are killed before others are rescued from a submerged vehicle in St. Petersburg
A bus carrying 20 passengers plunged into a river in St. Petersburg, killing seven people, Russian media reported. Horrifying footage shows the bus crashing into a car and flying off the bridge.
The out-of-control vehicle veered wildly across the road, crashing into oncoming traffic before crashing through the bridge fence and into the Moika River.
Stunned passers-by ran towards it as the bus became submerged, with only the roof visible above the water.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and six people had to be taken to hospital. The death toll currently stands at seven, although reported figures vary.
The driver has reportedly been arrested and taken for questioning by police. Authorities say they are still trying to determine what happened.
The bus crashed through the bridge barrier and plunged into the river, footage shows
Stunned passers-by ran towards it as the bus became submerged, with only the roof visible above the water
Brave rescuers were seen on the roof of the bus trying to drag the victims out of the sinking vehicle.
Authorities did not say how many people were on board, but Russian media reported, citing eyewitnesses, that there were about 20 passengers.
According to reports, emergency services continue to work on site.
Saint Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov said a multi-agency operation was underway that he was personally coordinating.
He added that the crash victims were receiving “immediate assistance.”
The city’s transportation commission reported that the driver of the bus lost control when turning from Bolshaya Morskaya Street to the Potseluev Bridge.
‘The bus turned around, broke through the fence and fell into the water. Emergencies Ministry employees and an ambulance are working on site,” the report said.
“Representatives of the carrier and the management of the transport committee have also been sent to the scene. All victims will receive the necessary assistance.’