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Norway bus accident: Wisma Putra monitoring situation involving Malaysians

REUTERS Photo

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 27- Wisma Putra, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm, is working closely with the authorities to obtain the latest information regarding a tourist bus accident in northern Norway.

The accident, which occurred at about 1.30 pm local time, involved passengers from several countries including Malaysia.

Wisma Putra in a statement said a consular team has been dispatched to provide immediate assistance and support to Malaysian nationals affected by the incident.

"The foreign ministry is deeply concerned about the bus accident involving Malaysian citizens which occurred near Lake Åsvatnet, Norway," the statement said.

"The accident took place amid severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, causing the bus to lose control and crash," it said.

"For consular assistance, the Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm can be contacted at +46 8440 8400 (working hours) / +46 73 536 9152 (after working hours & weekends) or email address Alamat emel ini dilindungi dari Spambot. Anda perlu hidupkan JavaScript untuk melihatnya.," the statement added.

Wisma Putra also said further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

Of the 58 passengers on board, three fatalities have been reported, and four individuals have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Stokmarknes Hospital.

"Despite adverse weather hampering initial rescue efforts, Norwegian authorities have successfully evacuated all remaining passengers," Wisma Putra said.

"Initial reports indicate the passengers included foreign tourists from China, Singapore, India, the Netherlands, Malaysia, South Sudan, France and Ukraine," it said.

It added more information regarding the incident is expected to be released by local authorities on 27 December, local time.

NIZAHA BINTI ABDUL KAREM