Emergency services rushed to the E45 highway between Storuman and Vilhelmina in northern Sweden following a serious traffic accident. Police and rescue teams responded to reports of an overturned bus with multiple passengers onboard.
Eighteen emergency units traveled to the scene, including four ambulances and one ambulance helicopter. Rescue officials confirmed the bus likely collided with a passenger car before ending up on its side in a ditch.
A rescue service operations coordinator described the situation. "The bus appears to have crashed with a car and now lies on its side in the ditch. Many passengers were reportedly onboard," the official said.
The exact number of people involved remains unclear, but local reports indicate between 30 to 40 passengers were traveling on the bus at the time of the accident. Rescue personnel noted heavy traffic and many people present on the roadway during response efforts.
Swedish Transport Administration officials closed the highway completely during rescue operations. The E45 serves as a major transportation artery through northern Sweden, connecting multiple communities across Västerbotten County.
This accident highlights ongoing road safety challenges in northern Sweden's vast, sparsely populated regions. Long distances between communities often mean extended emergency response times, making rapid medical care difficult in remote areas. Sweden generally maintains excellent road safety records, but northern highways present unique challenges with wildlife crossings, changing weather conditions, and limited medical facilities.
International visitors should note that Swedish emergency response operates differently than in many other countries. The country uses a unified emergency number (112) that connects callers to appropriate services. Sweden's rescue services are highly trained for complex vehicle extrications, particularly important given the frequency of moose and wildlife collisions on northern roads.
The highway closure will likely cause substantial disruption to regional transportation. The E45 between Storuman and Vilhelmina serves as a critical link for both local commuters and commercial transport. Alternative routes through this region are limited, potentially adding hours to travel times for diverted vehicles.
Road accidents involving multiple casualties test Sweden's decentralized healthcare system, where serious injuries often require helicopter transport to major regional hospitals. The presence of an ambulance helicopter at this scene indicates authorities anticipate needing specialized medical evacuation capabilities.