A school bus carrying eight children overturned in the Leningrad region, according to an official report from the Telegram channel of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region Main Directorate.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, January 24, at 8:50 Moscow time, along the Peski – Sosnovo – Podgorye highway in the Vyborg district of the Leningrad region. Local authorities were quick to respond as the scene was secured and emergency services were dispatched to assist the passengers and assess the damage.
Authorities stated that the bus driver, a 38-year-old man, appeared to lose control on the slick road conditions. The vehicle veered off the roadway, slid into a ditch, and tipped onto its side. Investigators and road policing teams arrived promptly to establish the sequence of events and determine any contributing factors such as weather, road surface, speed, and mechanical condition of the bus.
Eight children were aboard the bus at the time of the accident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers. Medical crews conducted on-site assessments, and transportation arrangements were made to ensure the children were in safe care while the investigation continued. The incident is under review by traffic police and regional safety authorities to clarify the exact cause and to identify any preventive measures for the future.
Earlier, late December of the previous year, another bus carrying children in the Samara region experienced a rollover following a collision with a Lada Kalina. Eight children were on board during that incident as well, highlighting ongoing concerns about passenger safety in school transport across different regions.
In related reports, a UAZ driver sustained facial injuries after fireworks reportedly struck the vehicle. The details surrounding that event are being reviewed by authorities to determine responsibility and any necessary safety actions regarding public holiday fireworks usage and vehicle protection against debris.
These incidents underscore the importance of rigorous driver training, regular vehicle maintenance, and strict adherence to road safety practices, particularly when transporting children. Regional police and traffic services continue to monitor such events, provide updates as verified, and implement recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of similar accidents in the future. [Source: Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region; corroborating agencies across affected areas.]