As reported by the Latvian public broadcaster LSM
On August 4th, at around 10:00 AM, an incident occurred in Latvia, in the Launkalne parish of the Smiltene region, when a Neoplan bus carrying children to a training camp in Smiltene veered off the road and overturned.
According to information provided by the Latvian public broadcaster LSM, five girls were injured as a result of the traffic accident. The bus was carrying students and coaches of the Rīga basketball school – 43 girls aged 10 to 15, as well as three coaches.
The injured girls sustained minor injuries such as bruises and scratches, but their lives are not in danger.
Zane Vaskane, a representative of the Latvian police, reported that a criminal investigation has been initiated regarding the accident, and the circumstances of the incident are currently being established.
“Preliminary data indicates that the bus driver was not under the influence of alcohol. Regarding the use of seat belts, this will be clarified within the framework of administrative proceedings. Most passengers were able to get out of the bus on their own, but in two cases, rescuers’ assistance was required.”
– Zane Vaskane, representative of the Latvian police
This incident recalls a tragedy that occurred earlier, in January 2025, when a minibus carrying a children’s choir was involved in an accident on the Ventspils highway in Latvia. The conductor Anitra Niedre died at the scene, and later a 14-year-old choir member passed away in the hospital. Several others also sustained injuries of varying severity.