At least three people have been confirmed dead following a bus crash in Norway, according to reports from state media. The accident occurred around 13:30 local time (12:30 GMT) in the Hadsel district on the north-western coast of the country.
The bus, which was carrying 58 people at the time of the incident, veered off the road and partially plunged into the Åsvatnet lake, local broadcaster NRK reported. Emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene to assist in the rescue operation.
The Norwegian Red Cross confirmed on social media that it had dispatched teams to the area to respond to the “serious bus accident” on the E10 road. The crash site is located in an area that has recently experienced severe weather conditions, with heavy snowdrifts and strong winds reported in the region at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not yet released further details on the victims or the cause of the crash, but the severe weather is believed to have played a role in the accident. Emergency responders, including local police and medical teams, have been working diligently to assist the survivors and manage the ongoing situation.
The crash has prompted a widespread response from rescue teams, with efforts focused on retrieving the passengers and providing medical care to those injured. The Norwegian Red Cross has indicated that the number of casualties could rise as the investigation continues.
The E10 road, a key route in the region, has been affected by the crash, causing significant disruption to traffic in the area. Local authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution due to the challenging weather conditions.
This tragic accident marks another severe transportation incident in the region, where hazardous winter weather often creates dangerous driving conditions. Further details on the identities of the victims and the full scope of the accident are expected to emerge as authorities continue their investigation.
