Passenger vehicle plunges through ice in Siberian city of Yakutsk video

A passenger vehicle carrying eight people fell through the ice in Yakutsk, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in eastern Siberia. Five passengers managed to escape on their own, while three others, including a child, remained inside the vehicle.

According to Caliber.Az, the incident was reported by the Main Directorate of Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry (EMERCOM) for the Republic of Sakha.

In a statement published on the ministry’s Telegram channel, officials said the accident occurred in the Promyshlenny microdistrict when the vehicle attempted to drive onto the ice of the Lena River at an unauthorised location, near a wastewater discharge outlet into a channel. A Toyota Estima carrying eight people, including one minor, broke through the ice at the site. Five passengers were able to get out without assistance, while three people, according to preliminary information, remained inside the vehicle.

The EMERCOM press service said divers are working at the scene, and a psychologist is providing support to those affected. A total of 20 emergency responders and seven pieces of equipment have been deployed as part of the rescue operation.

By Tamilla Hasanova