Death Toll from Bus Plunging into River in St. Petersburg Rises

The number of victims from the bus that plunged into the Moika River in St. Petersburg has risen to seven, according to the Investigative Committee. Previously, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported three fatalities.

As earlier reported by the regional department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, around 20 people were in the bus at the time of the accident. Some were able to exit on their own, while nine were rescued by emergency services.

The incident occurred on May 10 at around 10 AM. According to the city's transport committee, the driver lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the bus overturned, broke through a fence, and fell into the water.

The police have initiated criminal cases regarding violations of vehicle operation rules that resulted in the negligent deaths of two or more individuals. Investigators are also looking into services provided that did not meet safety requirements.

The 44-year-old driver of the bus has been arrested as a suspect and is currently being interrogated. The St. Petersburg transport committee has begun a comprehensive audit of the company.