STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Three people were killed and three others were injured after a double-decker bus crashed into a bus stop in central Stockholm on Friday, November 14, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 4:23 PM EAT (3:23 PM local time) on Valhallavägen, a major street in the Östermalm district, near the Royal Institute of Technology.

Swedish police confirmed the fatalities in a statement released on Friday evening. Of the three injured, two sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The bus, which was not in service and had no passengers on board, struck the bus shelter during the busy afternoon rush hour. All victims were pedestrians waiting at the bus stop.

Investigation Launched, Driver Arrested

The bus driver was detained at the scene for questioning, a standard procedure in such incidents, according to a police spokesperson. Authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into several possible offenses, including involuntary manslaughter and causing bodily harm. In a statement on Friday, police clarified that there was "currently no indication that the incident was intentional." The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash, with authorities examining potential factors such as driver error, a medical emergency, or mechanical failure. The bus is reportedly owned by the transport company Transdev.

Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scene

Images and videos from the location showed a significant emergency response, with numerous police cars, fire engines, and ambulances present. Rescue crews were seen working to assist individuals trapped underneath the heavily damaged bus. A large area was cordoned off, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the city. An eyewitness who owns a nearby shop told Swedish broadcaster SVT that the bus hit a pole before crashing into the shelter, and that several distressed people ran into his store crying immediately after the impact. Another witness described to the newspaper Expressen seeing the bus mow down the entire queue of people waiting.

Official Reactions and Global Context

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating his thoughts were with the victims and their families. "People who were perhaps on their way home to family, friends, or a quiet evening at home," he wrote. While there are no discernible direct links to Kenya or the East Africa region at this time, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential vulnerabilities in public transportation systems worldwide. Urban centers like Nairobi, which rely heavily on bus transit, face ongoing challenges related to vehicle maintenance, driver training, and infrastructure safety. This event in a major European capital underscores the universal importance of stringent safety standards and regular oversight to protect commuters. Further details on the identities of the victims have not yet been released by Swedish authorities.