A double-decker bus crashed into a bus stop in central Stockholm on Friday, leaving several people dead and others injured, Swedish authorities have confirmed.
The incident, which occurred around 3p.m. local time on Valhallavagen street near the University of Technology, involved a bus with only the driver on board. Police said the cause of the crash remained unclear and that it have opened a manslaughter investigation.
A police statement noted that “several people” were hit, with both fatalities and injuries recorded. Officials declined to disclose the number or identities of the victims.
Police spokesperson Nadya Norton told AFP that the driver has been arrested and will be questioned to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.
Rescue and ambulance teams are currently at the scene, which has been cordoned off. A crisis centre has been set up at a nearby preschool to support affected families and witnesses.
Local broadcaster SVT reported that five people were affected, with two rushed to the hospital. Rescue official Oscar Davila said several victims sustained severe injuries.
Reuters, citing Stockholm’s rescue services, reported six casualties but did not specify how many were killed. Authorities confirmed there were no passengers on the bus at the time of the crash.
Transdev, the bus operator, said the vehicle “was not supposed to be in service” when the incident occurred.
Reacting on X, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed sympathy for the victims and urged the public to allow emergency responders to carry out their duties.
