Local authorities have recovered the bodies of seven Chinese tourists who drowned in Lake Baikal, Russia, when their bus with eight passengers fell through the frozen surface on Friday (20th). According to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the bus was traveling across the frozen lake away from a designated ice road when the ice cracked and the vehicle sank. One of the tourists managed to escape the accident, becoming the only survivor, as confirmed by Igor Kobzev, the governor of the Irkutsk region, who extended condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

The incident has spurred the local prosecutor's office to launch a criminal investigation to determine the responsibilities surrounding this tragic event. Lake Baikal, located to the north of Mongolia, is not only the deepest freshwater lake in the world, with depths reaching 1,642 meters in some areas, but it also attracts thousands of visitors each year looking to explore its stunning natural beauty. The depth at the site of the accident is approximately 18 meters, which poses significant risks, especially during winter when the ice can be deceptively thin.

This tragedy highlights the potential dangers of winter tourism in regions with such extreme environments. Local authorities may face scrutiny regarding safety regulations and their enforcement on ice roads utilized by vehicles and tourists. Additionally, the growing interest in Lake Baikal as a tourist destination raises questions about balancing visitor access with safety measures, to prevent similar incidents in the future.