EIGHT tourists taking a tour of Moscow’s sewers are feared to have drowned after torrential rain flooded the underground channels.
A desperate search is underway for the remaining tourists after four bodies were discovered in the Moscow River.
East2WestThe tours take groups throughout the sprawling tunnels[/caption]
Four bodies have been found in the search so farEast2West
Horrific flooding filled the sewers quickly after a sudden downpourEast2West
The group were touring Soviet-era underground sewers in Moscow when heavy rainfall flooded the tunnels.
Specialist tour guide Konstantin Filipov, 31, had been leading the group when the waters began to rise.
Filipov reportedly sent a frantic message for help moments before the flood cut off communication with the group underground.
He texted: “F***, it’s raining. Can I go out at Trubnaya?”
A total of eight are known to have been on the sewer tour, but officials fear there could be more.
Those in the group included IT public relations chief Dmitry Markushkin, 47, along with his daughter Elizaveta, 15, their relative Gleb Lagashin, 17, and his girlfriend Vila, 15.
The £75 tour takes the group through the secret labyrinths under Moscow, with one major rule – no tours in the rain.
Another tour guide said: “Why the main rule was violated, I do not know.
“Neither do I know if the guide himself survived – no one can contact him. There is also a question as to why minors were allowed on the tour. Generally, tours do not involve people under 18.”
Two dozen had allegedly signed for the subterranean tour and Telegram channel Baza said it is not known how many actually went.
Baza said: “It is possible that there were actually two groups of 12, not counting guides.”
The cavernous Moscow sewers – many dating from Soviet times – have long carried a fascination among Russian history buffs.
Some of the channels lead under secret locations in Moscow, which has raised fears that victims on the tour could have been washed away there.
Special permission may be needed to search the secret locations where the victims could be.
Relatives have been asked to identify bodies of those bodies found after the tragedy.
Underground exploring site Urbex Underground explained how dangerous touring sewers can be.
They said: “If there is a sudden storm, flood, or hydrant flush that occurs that single drain can become filled with an extremely aggressive current in a matter of minutes.
“Even a small ankle deep current is enough to sweep someone off their feet and literally down the drain. Their flashlight falls, they hit their head, they panic and start to get swept away in the darkness.”
East2WestSearch efforts are underway to find the remaining members of the group[/caption]
Torrential rain flooded many streets suddenlyEast2West
East2WestThe tunnels are littered with debris[/caption]
East2WestGleb Lagashin, 17, died in the terrifying incident[/caption]
East2WestExcursion leader Konstantin Filippov, 31, is thought to have died[/caption]
East2WestDmitry Markushin, 47, drowned with his daughter Elizaveta, 15[/caption]
East2WestThe sprawling labyrinth spreads throughout the city[/caption]