A German tour bus carrying 34 passengers met with a serious incident on Saturday, August 8, in Trøndelag county, Norway, as it overturned on a winding section of the E6 highway. The bus tipped onto its side, landing in a ditch, which resulted in at least four individuals sustaining injuries.
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The crash occurred in the municipality of Namsskogan, and local police reported that emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Eyewitness video footage showed the right-side wheels of the bus leaving the roadway, suggesting that the driver lost control while navigating the sharp turn.
Upon arrival, emergency responders faced a challenging situation. Elin Torgnes, a first responder, highlighted the chaotic atmosphere at the crash site. “It was a bit chaotic,” she recounted. “I only helped with patients and those who were most injured. There were four of them.” The use of a hammer was necessary for the responders to access the bus and assist the passengers within.
While the injuries sustained by the passengers were concerning, an initial assessment indicated that no one was trapped inside the bus. Local authorities reported that two of the injured were transported to a hospital in Namsos, while the other two were taken to Levanger. Fortunately, it was later confirmed that the injuries were not serious; customers primarily sustained minor injuries.
In a statement released by the Trøndelag Police District, they noted, “Emergency services on the scene report that no one is trapped in the bus and that the passengers are being treated well. Information now suggests that there are no serious injuries, but that several people are slightly injured.” The remaining passengers were taken to an evacuation centre at a local care home, where they received support and care after the ordeal.
Following the incident, the Mayor of Namsskogan, Elisabeth Vollmo Bjørhusdal, announced the establishment of a crisis team to assist those affected by the accident. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that the less injured and those in shock were provided with the necessary support. “We are prepared to receive those who are less injured and shaken after the accident,” she stated.
In the wake of the crash, two lanes of the E6 were initially closed to allow for the arrival of a rescue helicopter but one lane was reopened later in the day. Authorities confirmed that recovery efforts were ongoing as of Saturday afternoon, with some drivers being temporarily held at the scene until the bus was safely cleared.
Jörn Frenzel, the head of the bus company, expressed relief that no serious injuries were reported. He emphasised the quality of the bus involved in the accident, stating, “These are our best drivers and the bus is nice and new.” However, he noted that the reason for the bus overturning remains unknown.
As investigations continue into the cause of this distressing event, the local community remains supportive of those impacted by the crash. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of navigating challenging road conditions, particularly in an area known for its rugged terrain.