Russia: Bus plunges into sea, killing 14 people

At least 14 people drowned when a bus plunged off a pier in southern Russia and into the sea on August 25.

The vehicle, believed to be carrying up to 60 people, plunged off a pier 4 metres above sea level. It was carrying workers to a construction site at the pier in the village of Volna.

Ambulance at the scene. Photo: East2West

“The bus went all the way down the pier,” said a witness. “There were dozens of people inside. Minutes after the crash, many people tried to swim out of the bus, but others were either unconscious or couldn’t swim.”

Another said: “About 10 people jumped out of the car as it went off the pier, others were dragged into the water.”

Photo: East2West

Divers responded quickly. A spokesman for the Russian Emergency Ministry said 24 people had been rescued.

Photo: East2West

Russian authorities fear the death toll could rise as divers continue to search for more missing victims. The depth of the sea is known to be about 10 meters.

Russian authorities have also opened a criminal investigation into the accident./.

According to VOV