Investigation Reveals Acute Illness Behind Deadly Stockholm Bus Accident

A tragic bus accident in Stockholm’s Östermalm district on Friday resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a female employee of the Karolinska University Hospital. The bus, a double-decker operated by Transdev and running route 670, crashed into a bus shelter near the Tekniska högskolan area while not in service and carrying no passengers.

Investigations have revealed that the accident was caused by an acute medical condition suffered by the bus driver at the time of the crash. Although the driver was initially arrested, they have since been released but remain under suspicion for causing death and bodily harm. Police suspect there was no intent involved in the crash, and no terrorist motives have been identified.

The bus was equipped with geofencing technology that limited its speed to 20 kilometers per hour within the accident zone. Despite these safety measures, the collision occurred, prompting SL’s CEO Erik Norling to suggest that a review of these safety barriers may be necessary to prevent future incidents. Norling highlighted in an interview with SVT that while the speed was restricted, the incident still took place, driving home the need to reassess and possibly enhance safety protocols.

Transdev has been providing crisis support to employees affected by the accident, including those at bus depots in the northern region, following the trauma of the incident. The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority is also collecting information with a view to potentially launching a formal safety investigation.

The identification process of the victims is expected to conclude by Monday, with authorities continuing to communicate with next of kin. Support and scrutiny remain ongoing as the community and transport authorities grapple with the circumstances and aftermath of this devastating event.