PETALING JAYA: Four Malaysians involved in a fatal bus crash in Norway are confirmed safe albeit with minor injuries.
Wisma Putra said they had been relocated to Thon Hotel following Thursday’s accident, when the tourist bus carrying 58 people veered off the road and ended up partially submerged in a lake on Norway’s northwestern coast.
So far, the four are the only Malaysians confirmed by Wisma Putra to be on the bus, which was on its way from Narvik town to the Lofoten archipelago.
The bus was bound for Svolvær town on the Lofoten archipelago, which is a popular place for viewing the northern lights.
As of Friday, the Norwegian authorities said three passengers were killed after the bus ran off a highway in stormy weather.
In a statement yesterday, Wisma Putra said: “Passengers with minor injuries have been relocated to crisis centres at two nearby hotels – Hotel Richard in Stokmarknes and Thon Hotel in Lofoten.
Four Malaysian nationals have been confirmed to be staying at Thon Hotel.”
“However, due to ongoing investigations, these passengers have not been allowed access to phones or direct communication with the outside world.
“The hotel staff are also restricted from initiating contact with the passengers,” Wisma Putra said.It added that the Foreign Ministry is monitoring developments through the Malaysian embassy in Stockholm to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected Malaysians.
It said the embassy’s consular team is working with Norwegian authorities to determine the total number of Malaysians involved and to provide the necessary assistance.
“The ongoing investigation, coupled with severe winter conditions – including heavy snowfall, strong winds and the considerable distance of approximately 1,500km from Oslo – has posed significant logistical challenges in accessing and supporting the affected individuals.
“Despite these challenges, the ministry and the Embassy of Malaysia remain steadfast in their commitment to assisting the Malaysian nationals involved while continuing to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available,” it added.
For consular assistance, Malaysians can contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Stockholm at +46 8440 8400 (general enquiries) / +46 73 536 9152 (after working hours & weekends) or email mwstockholm@kln.gov.my
