Passenger bus plunges into St. Petersburg River, killing four people

At least four people died and six others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a river in central St. Petersburg, Russian state news agency TASS reported reported Friday, citing emergency services.

St. Petersburg police said About 20 passengers were on board the bus when it plunged from a bridge into the Moika River at around 1:00 p.m. local time. Surveillance videos shared by law enforcement showed the bus making a U-turn and crashing through a bridge railing before plunging into the water.

The driver was arrested and charged with traffic violations, St. Petersburg police said on Telegram. If found guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison.

The Transport Committee of the Government of St. Petersburg said The driver lost control of the bus.

The death toll could rise further if doctors continue Battle for the lives of four other passengers who are in a state of clinical death, according to the St. Petersburg-based Fontanka news agency, citing anonymous sources.

Fontanka later claims that the driver was identified as a 44-year-old named Rakhmathokh.

“The victims will receive immediate help. I coordinate it personally,” St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov wrote on Telegram.