Surveillance footage captured the moment when a bus in the Russian city of St. Petersburg Friday left at least three people killed and six injured, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
Fifteen people were onboard the unlucky bus when it fell off a bridge and plunged into the river, The AP reported.
Europe Central tweeted out footage that appears to show the bus hitting several cars before falling off a bridge. Individuals could be seen rushing toward the area of the bridge where the bus fell and gazing at the mostly submerged vehicle.
🚨🚀Bizarre footage of a bus falling into a river in St. Petersburg today. The driver lost control, rammed several cars and fell off the bridge. #StPetersburg #BusAccident #Russia #River pic.twitter.com/MUz68AfImK
— EUROPE CENTRAL (@europecentrral) May 10, 2024
The Russian Emergencies Ministry said that they removed nine people from the river, including three who died, four in critical condition and two in serious condition, The AP reported. The other six passengers of the bus reportedly managed to get out of the water on their own. (RELATED: Russia Arrests U.S. Soldier On Suspicion Of Theft: REPORT)
St. Petersburg officials said that the bus owner had already been fined 23 times, The AP reported. The bus driver was detained by police and the driver’s wife told the press that her husband was forced to work the morning shift after already working for 20 hours Thursday, according to The AP. Russian police have opened an investigation into the matter exploring potential traffic violations and unsafe travel services, the outlet noted. If the driver is found guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison, The Moscow Times reported.
“The victims are being provided prompt assistance. I’m coordinating it personally,” St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov wrote, according to The Moscow Times.