The Chinese Consulate General in Irkutsk, Russia, confirmed on Friday that seven Chinese tourists drowned after their vehicle fell through the ice on Lake Baikal in the Irkutsk Region of Russia.

According to the consulate, the vehicle was carrying eight Chinese tourists when it plunged through the ice. One tourist managed to escape and was rescued, while the remaining seven were confirmed dead.

Upon learning of the accident, the consulate general immediately activated its emergency response plan, contacted the Russian side and requested them to do everything possible for rescue and recovery efforts and to quickly determine the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, the consulate general coordinated with local volunteers to reach the site to provide assistance and has dispatched consular officials to the site to fully and properly handle the aftermath.

The ice crossing to the island of Olkhon, where the car fell through the ice, is not open, and access is prohibited, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev was quoted by TASS as saying.

The Russian Investigative Committee said a criminal case has been opened, according to TASS. 

Last month, a Chinese tourist died after a car carrying tourists overturned on the frozen surface of Lake Baikal.

A day later, on January 29, the Chinese consulate general issued a consular safety alert, reminding Chinese citizens traveling to Lake Baikal in winter to exercise safety awareness while driving on ice.

The highest temperatures from Sunday to Thursday in Lake Baikal ranged from 0 degrees Celsius to 14 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the usual minus temperature, according to AccuWeather. 

(With input from agencies)

(Cover: A view of Lake Baikal in Russia. /VCG)