Tragedy struck in St. Petersburg as a bus veered off a bridge and plunged into the Moika River, claiming the lives of seven individuals, Russian officials confirmed. The incident, which occurred on Friday, left six passengers rescued from the sinking bus in critical condition.
Dramatic Sequence of Events
Accounts from Russian news sources detailed the harrowing sequence of events leading to the bus’s descent into the river. Surveillance footage depicted the bus speeding, swerving onto the bridge, colliding with another vehicle, and breaching the barrier before submerging into the water. Despite the chaos, six occupants managed to escape from the sinking vehicle.
Questions Surrounding Bus Safety
Authorities in St. Petersburg disclosed that the bus involved in the accident had accumulated 23 fines for various infractions, shedding light on potential safety concerns within the city’s transportation system. Notably, many of the city’s bus services are operated by private companies, raising questions about oversight and regulatory enforcement.
Driver’s Circumstances Under Scrutiny
The bus driver, who was apprehended by police following the incident, faces scrutiny over his working conditions leading up to the accident. His wife recounted to Russian media that he had been compelled by managers to work a morning shift after enduring a grueling 20-hour workday with minimal rest. The circumstances surrounding his work schedule underscore broader concerns about driver fatigue and workplace safety practices.
Call for Investigation and Accountability
In response to the tragic accident, authorities have initiated an inquiry into potential traffic violations and safety lapses within the transportation sector. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the imperative to prioritize passenger safety and implement robust regulatory measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Kentucky Today
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