A school bus carrying 30 children from a school in Monchegorsk, located in Russia’s Murmansk region, drifted toward the roadside and into a snowdrift as strong winds pushed it off course. Local authorities and news agencies reported the incident, which prompted a quick response from safety services and road patrols. The event underscores how suddenly changing winter conditions can influence daily school travel and the importance of vigilant driving in severe weather across northern territories.
According to officials, the bus transporting students from the Monchegorsk school district to a village area along the path known as the 27 km route veered sideways due to persistent gusts near the P-21 Kola federal highway. It slid into the shoulder and then slid into a snowbank, narrowly avoiding more serious damage or displacement. Rescue teams arrived promptly, secured the scene, and guided the vehicle back onto the roadway so the journey could continue. The operation highlighted coordination between the regional ministry of internal affairs, emergency responders, and school transport staff in ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining student safety during adverse weather conditions.
In total, 30 children were onboard the vehicle during the event. Reports confirmed that none sustained injuries, and emergency personnel provided immediate checks and reassurance to the young passengers. After the bus was stabilized, it was moved to a safer position on the highway and the trip resumed under additional monitoring to ensure road conditions allowed for safe continuation. No medical treatment was required on site, and families were notified through standard school communications in line with established protocols for weather-related delays or route changes.
Earlier on the same day, another incident occurred in Karelia when a passenger bus collided with two other vehicles in the Pitkyaranta region. The driver apparently lost control, causing the bus to crash into an oncoming minibus and subsequently strike a heavy truck. Footage from the scene depicted substantial damage to the underside of the bus and a severely deformed front section of the truck. Authorities launched an immediate investigation to determine contributing factors, including speed, road conditions, and visibility at the time of the crash. Investigators emphasized the critical need for defensive driving and adherence to speed limits on mixed roadways in winter climates, where black ice and drifting snow can surprise even experienced drivers.
Earlier reports from Siberia described another troubling event involving a bus conductor who reportedly struck a child. Authorities confirmed the incident, and the case was placed under formal investigation to determine the circumstances, including whether safety protocols and supervision on school transports were followed. The public safety response in that region focused on reinforcing passenger protocols, vehicle maintenance standards, and driver training to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Community leaders urged calm, encouraged families to stay informed through official channels, and called for ongoing vigilance as winter conditions continue to affect daily travel for schools and public transportation in remote areas.