A tragic train collision with a tourist bus near St. Petersburg has resulted in one fatality and 16 injuries, according to local authorities. The incident occurred when the train struck the rear of the bus, which was carrying members of a religious group on their way to the Alexander-Svirsky Monastery. Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Police have confirmed that the collision occurred at a location where there are no traffic signals or road markings, which may have contributed to the accident. Officials are currently investigating the cause of the crash and have launched an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the collision. The focus of the investigation is on determining whether the train or the bus was at fault, as well as assessing the safety measures in place for such incidents.
Local residents and religious leaders have expressed their condolences for the victims and are calling for increased safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, a significant pilgrimage site in Russia, has also been affected by the incident, with some pilgrims questioning whether the route to the monastery is as safe as previously believed.