Passengers from Singapore suffered minor injuries in the bus crash
Passengers from Singapore suffered minor injuries in a tragic bus crash in Norway that claimed three lives on December 26. The accident happened at 1:30 PM local time (8:30 PM Singapore time) when the bus, carrying 58 passengers, veered off the road and ended up partially submerged in a lake near the Raftsundet strait, which separates the Lofoten archipelago from the mainland.
On December 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore confirmed it has been providing consular assistance to affected Singaporeans through the Honorary Consul-General in Oslo. The MFA also communicated that it is in touch with local authorities but did not specify the number of Singaporeans injured in the incident.
Local media report that two women, one in her twenties or thirties and another in her forties or fifties, along with a child aged 10 to 12, died in the crash. Authorities continue to clarify their identities while conducting autopsies. The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Singapore indicated that slippery road conditions due to snow and ice contributed to the accident.
Blood everywhere
A Singaporean passenger on the bus, identified only as Ms. Zeng, recounted the chaotic scene following the crash. “The weather was bad, and the bus skidded several times before going off the road,” the 33-year-old said. After the accident, she described a panic-stricken environment, noting, “There was blood everywhere.” One of her friends required seven stitches for a back injury, but overall, the group sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Norwegian police recently lifted the bus out of the water and charged the driver with violating the Road Traffic Act. Officers confiscated his driving license and took a blood sample as part of the ongoing investigation.
Passengers from eight different countries were on the bus, including China, France, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and South Sudan. The Lofoten archipelago, known for its stunning winter landscape and northern lights, remains a popular travel destination.
The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also involved, confirming its citizens with minor injuries have relocated to crisis centers at nearby hotels. Malaysian nationals affected by the crash currently stay at Hotel Richard in Stokmarknes and Thon Hotel in Lofoten, where they receive support.
As investigations continue, both Singaporean and Malaysian authorities work to assist their citizens affected by this tragic accident.
Source: The Strait Times