Seven passengers killed when out-of-control bus plunged off bridge into river

This is the terrifying moment a bus smashed through a barrier and plunged off a bridge into the river below in Russia’s second-biggest city.

Seven passengers died while four others recovered from the water were taken to hospital in a critical condition.

At the scene the bus was almost completely submerged near the bridge over the River Moika in St Petersburg’s historic centre.

Emergency workers could be seen standing on the roof with rescue boats nearby and ambulances waiting on the bridge.

CCTV footage released by Russian media shows the bus driving at speed before turning sharply onto the bridge and veering lanes.

After clipping another vehicle it ploughs through the barrier and falling into river.

Rescuers work at the site where a passenger bus fell off a bridge into a river in Saint Petersburg (Picture: Reuters)

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, at least three people were killed and six others were injured, with four in critical condition (Picture: EPA)

Authorities said the owner of the bus had been fined 23 times for various violations.

Private companies run most of the city’s bus services.

The bus driver was detained by police.

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His wife was quoted by Russian media as saying that managers forced him to work a morning shift after working for 20 hours the previous day.

She claimed he had virtually no rest.

Authorities opened a criminal investigation into alleged traffic violations and unsafe travel services.

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