Most of the passengers on the bus that rolled over by Skálafell, Southwest Iceland, this morning were Chinese tourists. There were 40 pasengers on the bus, in addition to the driver and guide. Seventeen people were transported to Landspítali University Hospital. At least five are seriously injured, two of whom are in intensive care, according to mbl.is. Emergency crews helped free two passengers, whose hands were stuck under the bus.
For a while, Landspítali University Hospital was on an alert stage, but that has been canceled, according to mbl.is.
The Blood Donation Center contacted people with blood type O to ask them to donate blood. Both blood types O+ and O- were needed. People who regularly donate blood were asked to step forward, since new donors are not permitted to give blood under such circumstances.
The Red Cross opened an emergency center in Mosfellsbær, where fifteen passengers were received and treated for minor injuries, RÚV reports.
Mbl.is reports that 27 people were sent to the emergency center. A public relations officer for the Red Cross, Björn Teitsson, told mbl.is, “They have tried to express themselves as well as they can, but most of them only speak Mandarin, and there have been some difficulties in communication.” Many of the passengers were in a shock, mbl.is and received crisis counseling.
Björn stated that the group will be transported back to the hotel where they’re staying. They received a hot meal and the assistance of three doctors and two psychologists.
Þingvallavegur road will remain closed while the cause of the accident is being investigated.
