MOSCOW – Eight people are missing and presumed dead after a tour bus carrying Chinese visitors broke through ice and sank into Russia’s Lake Baikal on Friday, according to regional officials.
The tragic incident occurred when the vehicle was traveling across the frozen surface of the massive Siberian lake, regional governor Igor Kobzev announced through his Telegram channel. Among those missing are seven Chinese tourists and the bus operator.
A single tourist successfully escaped the freezing waters, Kobzev reported, while rescue teams continue their search efforts for the remaining passengers.
Lake Baikal, situated north of Mongolia, holds the distinction of being the world’s deepest freshwater lake and attracts visitors from around the globe.
The prosecutor’s office in the Irkutsk region has launched a criminal investigation to determine what led to the deadly accident.
Chinese visitor numbers to Russia have dramatically increased in recent years following improved diplomatic relations between the nations and their declared strategic partnership with “no limits” announced last year. The countries have also established visa-free travel arrangements, making tourism more accessible.
