Tragic Accident in Russia: Passenger Bus Falls into River, 19 Dead, 21 Injured

A tragedy has occurred in Russia's Trans-Baikal region. A passenger bus on the Chita-Sretensk route has fallen into a river. The death toll has risen to 19, including 2 children. 21 people have sustained varying degrees of bodily injuries. Among the deceased is also the bus driver. There were 43 passengers aboard the bus.

According to the traffic police, the accident was preceded by a tire blowout on the front wheel of the bus, after which it fell 9 to 12 meters into the frozen river. As per sources from Interfax, the driver was sober at the time of the accident.

The injured have been transported to various hospitals, with different degrees of injuries reported. It is noted that citizens on the scene also provided assistance to the victims.

A criminal case has been initiated, and the regional governor has stated that the case is under his personal supervision.

According to the RIA Novosti agency, December 2 has been declared a day of mourning in the region.