Deadly bus crash in Norway leaves three dead, four seriously injured

A packed bus carrying 58 passengers, including many foreign nationals, plunged into a lake in Nordland County, Norway, killing three people and leaving at least four seriously injured.

The crash occurred on the E10 road in Hadsel amidst heavy snow drifts and strong winds, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Norwegian company Boreal Buss AS operated the bus en route from Narvik to Lofoten when it skidded off the road, broke through a barrier, and landed partially submerged in Åsvatnet Lake. Emergency crews launched a large-scale rescue operation, deploying helicopters and volunteers from the Red Cross.

The passengers were individuals from at least eight countries, including around 20 Chinese nationals. The Chinese Embassy in Oslo confirmed that none of its citizens were among the fatalities. Many survivors were evacuated to a nearby school and hotel for shelter.

Brave locals played a key role in the rescue efforts. Tobias Fredriksen climbed into the bus to free trapped passengers, some submerged in icy water, while Freddy Andreassen provided shelter in his trailer and attempted to assist an unresponsive victim.

Nordland Police Chief Bent Are Eilertsen confirmed the fatalities, saying, “Three people have been confirmed dead so far, and four are seriously injured.”

Martin Reberg, Boreal Buss AS's general manager, expressed condolences and confirmed the company had mobilized a crisis team. “This is a serious incident, and we are cooperating with emergency services,” he said.

Rescue leader Ørjan Delbekk described challenging conditions at the scene, with strong winds and dense snow. Witnesses reported chaos as emergency crews arrived, while residents helped passengers warm up in their vehicles.

The cause of the crash is under investigation as emergency services continue to assess the damage.

By Aghakazim Guliyev