Seven Chinese Tourists Killed After Bus Plunges Through Ice on Russia's Lake Baikal

Moscow. Seven Chinese tourists were killed when a tourist bus driving on the frozen surface of the famous Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, crashed. Local authorities confirmed that the tragic incident occurred on Friday when the bus fell into a large crack in the lake's ice and submerged.

According to a statement issued by the regional branch of Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations, the bus fell into an ice crack approximately three meters wide and sank directly into the water. Rescuers located the bus 18 meters below the surface using special underwater cameras, from where the bodies of all seven victims were recovered.

Igor Kobzev, the Governor of the Irkutsk region, clarified that the deceased were Chinese nationals and stated that the Chinese Consulate General has been informed about the incident. One passenger managed to save their life by jumping out just as the bus began to sink.

Lake Baikal, known as the deepest lake in the world, is considered an attractive destination for tourists during the winter season. Chinese tourists, in particular, visit in large numbers because the ice freezes to look crystal clear.

Although authorities have designated specific routes for driving on the lake, driving was prohibited in the area where the accident occurred. The preliminary assumption is that the accident occurred because the bus was driven in the prohibited zone, causing the ice to break, and further investigation is underway.