A Boxing Day bus crash in northern Norway has left three people dead and several others injured after the vehicle carrying 60 to 70 passengers veered off the road and partially plunged into a lake. The tragic incident occurred in the Hadsel district of Nordland county at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time.
Incident Details
The bus, traveling along the E10 highway, reportedly broke through guardrails before sliding down a slope into Åsvatnet Lake amid strong winds and heavy snow drifts. Several passengers were rushed to Nordland Hospital, where a disaster team was established to manage the emergency. Local officials confirmed that four individuals sustained serious injuries, with others receiving medical attention for various conditions.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including ambulances, helicopters, and volunteers from the Red Cross, quickly arrived at the scene to provide aid and transport the injured. A nearby school was converted into a temporary shelter for passengers.
Nordland Communications Manager Randi Angelsen confirmed that additional resources were deployed to assist with the rescue and transportation of injured individuals. The incident triggered a red alert at Nordland Hospital, and the region’s crisis team is coordinating the emergency response.
Conditions and Eyewitness Accounts
Local journalists reported strong winds and dense snow drifts in the area, which may have contributed to the crash. A photojournalist described the scene as chaotic, with emergency crews working tirelessly to secure the wreckage and assist passengers.
One resident from the nearby town of Svolvær stated, “There were a lot of emergency services, panic, and chaos at the scene. It looked like they were in control. The helicopter landed just as we were there.” The resident also noted that his son’s girlfriend sustained minor injuries and praised locals for offering warmth and shelter to those affected.
Passengers From Multiple Countries
Norwegian broadcaster VG reported that the passengers on board hailed from at least eight different countries, though the nationalities of those injured remain unclear.
Official Response
Odd Inge Bardal, County Director for Transport and Infrastructure, confirmed that a crisis team has been set up to manage public transport operations. “The safety and emergency management manager in Nordland County Municipality is participating in a crisis meeting with the local crisis center,” Bardal stated.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting adverse weather conditions may have played a significant role.
Community Reaction
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of support and condolences from local residents and officials. Many have praised the quick response of emergency services and the solidarity shown by the community in providing assistance to the victims.
Further updates are expected as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
