At least four individuals lost their lives, and over 20 others sustained injuries on Friday morning when a tram went off the tracks and crashed into two passenger minibuses in the central Russian city of Tula, according to local authorities.

Dmitry Milyayev, the Governor of Tula region, reported that the incident occurred on a bridge close to a prominent shopping center.

He confirmed that none of the deceased were children, although several of the injured were taken to the hospital.

State media indicated that six of the injured individuals were in critical condition.

According to the regional police’s press service, “The tram derailed due to a defect in the track and veered directly into the minibuses traveling in the opposite direction,” as reported by the state news agency TASS.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia released images showing significant damage to the driver’s side of the minibuses. They stated that first responders were dispatched immediately, allowing for the swift clearance of traffic.

The regional branch of the Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation concerning safety violations that contributed to the fatalities.