A tragic incident unfolded in central Stockholm when a city bus crashed into pedestrians at a bus stop, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The accident occurred at approximately 3:23 PM on March 15, 2024, as the double-decker vehicle reportedly swerved off course and struck individuals waiting at the bus shelter on Valhallavagen, a busy street in the city’s Östermalm district.
Police have arrested the driver and are treating the incident as manslaughter. Initial reports indicate that the bus was out of service at the time of the crash and did not have any passengers on board. A spokesperson from Stockholm’s rescue services confirmed that there were six casualties, although the exact number of deceased and injured individuals has not been confirmed.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his condolences, stating that the victims may have been on their way home to family and friends. In a message posted on social media platform X, he emphasized the need for understanding as police and emergency services respond to the tragedy. “We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their loved ones,” he wrote.
The scene of the accident was described as chaotic, with images circulating on social media showing the blue double-decker bus mounted on the pavement, surrounded by shattered glass and debris from the bus shelter. Emergency responders worked diligently to assist those trapped under the bus and to treat the injured on the ground.
Authorities received reports of the crash shortly after it occurred, and a large police presence quickly descended upon the area. Investigators are currently conducting a thorough examination to determine the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
The police have refrained from commenting on the identities, genders, or ages of the victims at this time. As investigations continue, the public transport company Transdev confirmed that the bus involved in the incident belonged to their fleet.
More updates on this developing story will follow as information becomes available.
