Leningrad Region, Russia — August 4, 2025
A tragic accident unfolded early Monday morning in the Lodeynopolsky district of Russia’s Leningrad region when a tourist bus was struck by a freight train at a railway crossing. The collision resulted in one fatality and at least 16 injuries, with several victims in critical condition.

According to officials, the bus attempted to cross the tracks despite an approaching train. The train operator engaged emergency braking, but the short distance made impact unavoidable. The crash occurred around 6:11 a.m. local time near the Inema station between Lodeynoye Pole and Olonets.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene. Injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Lodeynopolskaya and Volkhov, while seven critically hurt individuals were airlifted to the Leningrad Regional Clinical Hospital. Two children were reportedly on board but escaped unharmed.

Authorities have opened a criminal case under Russia’s traffic safety laws, focusing on whether the bus driver violated railway crossing protocols. The bus was reportedly en route to the Alexander Svirsky Monastery, a historic Orthodox site.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released. Investigations by the North-West Transport Prosecutor’s Office and the Western Interregional Department of the Investigative Committee are ongoing.