Multiple individuals have lost their lives and sustained injuries following a bus collision with a bus shelter in the heart of Stockholm, Sweden. The incident occurred in the Östermalm neighborhood and has resulted in severe injuries to several individuals, as confirmed by Sophie Gunnarsson, a spokesperson for the public transport group SL. The police have reported that the accident is serious, and the cause is currently unknown.
Law enforcement authorities have refrained from disclosing details about the victims’ number, gender, or ages at this time. The initial reports of the incident began at 3:24 pm local time, with indications that the bus driver has been taken into custody.
The driver, suspected of causing fatalities and injuries, remains under arrest following a decision by prosecutors, according to police statements. Authorities have emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest that the crash was deliberate.
Eyewitnesses, including Zaid Al Hussen, a nursing student, were present during the tragic event and provided aid to the injured victims. Al Hussen described the scene as chaotic, with people in distress and in need of assistance.
While the incident has been classified as aggravated manslaughter and the bus driver detained, authorities do not believe it was intentional. The driver, reportedly not in the police database, is said to be shocked and upset over the events.
Local law enforcement has confirmed the deaths of three individuals in the accident, with three others transported to hospitals for treatment. Emergency response teams have established a crisis support area to provide assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Statements from witnesses and officials have shed light on the aftermath of the crash, with reports of the bus colliding with a bus stop queue and emergency services responding swiftly to the scene. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed condolences for the victims and urged the public to support the ongoing efforts of emergency responders.
The police have detained the bus driver for questioning, emphasizing the need to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. Streets surrounding the area were filled with emergency vehicles, and images from the crash site reveal significant damage to the bus.
In summary, a devastating bus accident in central Stockholm has resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, prompting an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.