VIDEO: Bus falls into river in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and 3 die | World

Bus falls into river in Saint Petersburg, Russia

A bus with around 20 occupants on board fell from a bridge into a river in Saint Petersburg, Russia, this Friday (10). Three people died and six others were hospitalized in serious condition, according to the city’s emergency service.

The vehicle, which was used for public transport within Saint Petersburg, was traveling along a road on the banks of the Moika River this morning when it began to stagger. Soon after, the vehicle invaded the sidewalk, made a right turn completely off the road, and hit a car in the opposite direction (see video above).

The vehicle then broke the bridge’s protective barrier and plunged into the river. Even at low speed, the The driver did not appear to brake or slow down the bus at any point.

The driver escaped and was detained, according to Russian state news agency RIA. The police had not stated whether the fall was accidental or on purpose until the last update of this report.

Also at the last update of this report, authorities had not yet stated whether the cause of the deaths was drowning or hypothermia — in Saint Petersburg, temperatures varied between 2ºC and 7ºC this Friday.

The rest of the passengers were rescued and are doing well, according to police.

The bus was completely submerged in the river, which is in the historic center of the city.