At least three dead and six injured after a bus plunged from a bridge into a river in Russia

A bus has plunged into a river in Russia, leaving at least three dead, as police launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

The vehicle plowed through a barrier and into the water in St. Petersburg, city officials said.

The Emergencies Ministry said rescuers pulled nine people out of the water and three of them died.

It said four others were in critical condition and two others were in serious condition.

According to Russian news reports, 15 people were on the city bus when it turned off the road into the Moika River in central St. Petersburg on Friday.

According to local reports, six of those on board climbed out of the water on their own.

Surveillance video released by Russian media showed the bus traveling at high speed, turning sharply onto the bridge and colliding with another vehicle before breaking through the barrier and plunging into the water.

Authorities in St. Petersburg said the owner of the bus was fined 23 times for various violations.

They are investigating possible traffic violations and unsafe travel services related to the deaths on the river.

Most of the city’s bus services are operated by private companies.

The bus driver was arrested by the police.

His wife was quoted by Russian media as saying that managers forced him to work a morning shift after he had worked 20 hours the previous day and had virtually no rest.

Authorities launched a criminal investigation into alleged traffic violations and unsafe travel services.