Chinese Tourists Killed as Vehicle Plunges Through Ice on Siberia's Lake Baikal

A Russian tour vehicle plunged through the ice on Lake Baikal on Monday, killing eight people, including seven Chinese tourists.

The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on February 20 near the settlement of Khuzhir. A UAZ off-road vehicle, carrying a group on an excursion, broke through the ice on a frozen track leading to Cape Khoboy.

Preliminary reports indicate the vehicle fell into an ice crack approximately three meters wide and eighteen meters deep. Only one person survived the incident.

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the eight victims from the water. The group consisted of eight Chinese nationals and their Russian driver.

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into the tragedy. The investigation is proceeding under statutes concerning negligence and the provision of services that fail to meet safety requirements, resulting in the death of two or more persons.