In Kazakhstan, a bus carrying three passengers and its driver collided with a field area adjacent to a mine in the Pavlodar region’s Bayanaul district. The incident was confirmed by the regional emergency department’s press service, as reported by TASS.
The collision occurred on January 4, around 01:25 local time (January 3 at 22:25 Moscow time) in the Maykainzoloto zone near the Maykainsky mine. The bus struck an open area that had been opened during mineral extraction. The collapse measures describe a front length of 150-200 meters, spanning about 500 meters in width, with a depth reaching 150 meters.
The ministry noted that 33 workers were evacuated from the mine and there was no immediate danger to their lives or health.
An operational headquarters was established at the site, with the head of the Pavlodar regional administration, Asain Baykhanov, joining the emergency service leadership and local authorities. Psychologists were deployed to assist victims and provide support to those affected by the incident.
Rescue operations involved the Maikainzoloto enterprise’s professional paramilitary emergency rescue teams, local authorities, and rescuers from the regional emergency service. The combined response included a total of 44 personnel, 13 units of equipment, and one drone to aid in assessment and recovery efforts.
Earlier reports noted a separate incident in Buryatia, where a minibus carrying 12 passengers capsized, resulting in injuries. Authorities continue to monitor developments related to the Pavlodar derailment to ensure the safety of all affected workers and to prevent additional hazards as the site is secured and investigated.