On February 20, a tourist minibus carrying nine occupants tragically sank in Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake. This incident occurred as the vehicle attempted to cross the frozen surface of the lake, according to reports from the governor of the Irkutsk region, Igor Kobzev. The minibus was contracted for an unauthorized expedition by Chinese tourists, raising concerns about the safety of such activities in extreme conditions. A video of the sinking has circulated on social media, further highlighting the disaster.

The vehicle sank almost instantly after encountering a 3-meter wide crack in the ice, in an area where the lake's depth reaches 18 meters. Local authorities have noted the risks associated with unauthorized expeditions on Lake Baikal, emphasizing that such practices are dangerous. The tragic accident has prompted discussions about the need for stricter regulations and awareness about the potential risks for tourists venturing into hazardous environments.

This incident not only points to the immediate loss of life of the tourists involved but also raises questions about the oversight of tourism activities in natural landscapes. As Lake Baikal continues to attract visitors, there is an urgent need for enforceable safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future. The governor's statement and the shared video are likely to draw public attention to the importance of following safety protocols when exploring such extreme locales.