Authorities report that a minibus carrying nine people, including seven Chinese tourists, has fallen through the ice and sunk in Lake Baikal, Siberia. Only one individual has been found alive, while the rest are feared to have perished. The incident highlights safety concerns as the area is experiencing approximately minus ten degrees Celsius, and it is known that both locals and tourists often attempt to traverse the lake on its ice during winter. However, access is presently prohibited due to the dangers involved.

The governor of the Irkutsk region, Igor Kobzev, expressed concerns over the tragedy on social media, reiterating that crossing the ice on Lake Baikal during winter is banned. This lake, the deepest in the world and the sixth largest by surface area, poses significant risks for those who venture onto its icy surface. The incident is particularly shocking given the potential disregard for safety regulations in winter tourism activities.

This tragedy raises significant questions about winter tourism safety regulations in the region and the need for increased awareness and enforcement of these rules. With tourists often drawn to the natural beauty of Lake Baikal, incidents like this underscore the importance of prioritizing safety over adventure, particularly in extreme environments like Siberia.