A fatal collision between a freight train and a tourist bus in northwestern Russia has left one person dead and at least 11 others injured, according to official sources.
The accident occurred early Monday near the city of Saint Petersburg, at approximately 03:00 GMT, when a passenger bus became stranded on a level crossing and was struck by an oncoming freight train.
According to a statement from Russia’s national rail operator, the train conductor activated the emergency brakes upon sighting the bus, but due to the short distance, a high-speed impact was unavoidable.
“Despite the emergency braking, the driver was unable to prevent the collision,” the statement confirmed.
Initial reports indicated that 12 individuals on the bus sustained injuries, but one later succumbed. The remaining passengers are receiving medical attention, though the extent of their injuries has not yet been fully disclosed.
Traffic safety remains a concern across Russia, where road rule violations are frequent and have contributed to several high-casualty incidents in recent years.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash, with particular attention on whether the bus driver ignored safety signals or attempted to cross illegally.
