Irkutsk

Irkutsk is a region in Russia where Lake Baikal, the world's largest freshwater lake by volume, is located. The region is currently newsworthy due to a tragic accident on the frozen surface of Lake Baikal. A tour bus carrying Chinese tourists plunged through the ice, resulting in the deaths of seven tourists and the Russian driver. The incident occurred when the bus fell into a fissure in the ice. Divers have recovered the bodies of the victims. Irkutsk regional Governor Igor Kobzev has offered condolences to the families of the deceased. The accident highlights the dangers of traversing frozen bodies of water, even with tour operators, and raises concerns about safety regulations and risk assessments for such activities in the Irkutsk region.