New Delhi: At least eight people were killed after a bus carrying Chinese tourists broke through the frozen surface of Lake Baikal in Russia and plunged into the icy water, officials said.
Igor Kobzev, governor of the Irkutsk region, said in a post on Telegram that the incident occurred on Friday when the vehicle was travelling across the frozen lake. The ice suddenly gave way, causing the bus to sink.
According to authorities, only one Chinese tourist survived the mishap. Seven Chinese nationals and the bus driver lost their lives.
Russia’s Emergency Ministry said underwater cameras were deployed before launching the rescue operation to determine the exact location of the submerged vehicle. Rescue teams later retrieved the bodies after a prolonged operation in harsh winter conditions.
Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, is a popular winter destination where vehicles sometimes travel across its frozen surface.
