A bus in St. Petersburg, Russia veered off a bridge and plunged into a river, resulting in the death of seven people according to the Investigative Committee. There were 15 people on board the bus when the accident occurred, with six managing to escape on their own. The bus was reportedly driving fast, collided with another vehicle, and broke through a barrier before falling into the water. The owner of the bus had a history of violations and the driver, who was detained by police, was allegedly forced to work long hours with little rest.
Russian news reports indicated that six people removed from the bus were in critical or serious condition. The emergencies ministry did not provide an exact number of injuries sustained from the accident. The surveillance video released by media showed the bus driving at high speed, turning sharply onto the bridge, colliding with another vehicle, and breaking through the barrier. Private companies run most of the city’s bus services, and the owner of the bus had previously been fined 23 times for various violations.
The bus driver’s wife claimed that her husband was pushed to work long hours, including a 20-hour shift before the accident, without adequate rest. Authorities in St. Petersburg opened a criminal investigation into the incident, focusing on potential traffic violations and unsafe travel services. The driver was detained by police, as the investigation aims to determine the cause of the accident and identify any negligence or misconduct that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The owner of the bus faced multiple fines for violations in the past, hinting at potential negligence in maintaining the safety standards of the vehicle. The driver being forced to work long hours without sufficient rest raises concerns about employee safety and labor practices in the transportation industry. The incident highlighted issues with oversight and regulation of bus services in St. Petersburg, as private companies operate the majority of these services.
The tragic accident in St. Petersburg prompted an urgent response from authorities to improve safety measures and address potential violations in the transportation sector. The criminal investigation will likely lead to stricter enforcement of regulations and the implementation of safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community mourned the loss of life and injuries resulting from the bus accident, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in ensuring the well-being of passengers and employees in the transport industry.
