Eight people died on Friday when a vehicle driving on the ice of Russia’s Lake Baikal plunged into the water, including seven Chinese tourists and the Russian driver, with one tourist surviving, according to China’s consulate in Irkutsk.
The Chinese consulate confirmed the incident to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, stating that the vehicle, carrying eight Chinese tourists, fell through the ice near Olkhon Island. The consulate immediately activated its emergency response mechanism, contacting Russian authorities to maximize rescue efforts, locate the bodies, and investigate the cause of the accident.
Consular officials are currently en route to the scene to handle the aftermath, Xinhua reported.
The incident occurred despite warnings from local authorities against driving on the ice. According to reports, the section of the lake where the vehicle entered the water had not been officially opened for traffic, and a government ban on vehicles driving on the ice was in place. Witnesses reported the vehicle attempted to drive through a 3-meter wide crack in the ice, and sank within minutes into the 18-meter deep water.
This represents the second incident involving Chinese tourists on Lake Baikal in just over a month. On January 28th, a vehicle carrying ten Chinese tourists broke through the ice, resulting in one death and four injuries, according to reports.
The vehicle involved in Friday’s tragedy was a UAZ van, a popular off-road vehicle in Russia, sometimes referred to as a “loaf” or “small steel cannon.” Reports indicate the driver was a 44-year-old local man who previously worked as a children’s football coach and was allegedly operating an unsanctioned tour service.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting the driver failed to recognize the ice crack. Police are investigating whether the driver possessed a valid license and if the vehicle was operating legally.
Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of seven of the Chinese tourists. The Russian driver remains missing, and search efforts are ongoing despite the challenging conditions.