Tragedy Strikes Moscow's Underground Tourists Amidst Heavy Rainfall

8 Individuals Swept to Their Deaths During Unconventional Sewer Tour

Amidst a sudden downpour in the Russian capital Moscow, a group of 8 individuals exploring the city's underground sewer system as part of an unconventional tourist activity met a tragic end. Seven participants and one tour guide who were navigating through the underground channels of the Neglinnaya River, a tributary of the Moscow River flowing through the heart of the city, were found dead.

While these tourists were enjoying the underground excursion, an unexpected torrential rainstorm inundated the city. Reports suggest that the water levels in the underground sewer system rose rapidly, leading to this unfortunate incident.

The victims were discovered by divers near the Moskva River, adjacent to the Yaroslavsky Park near the Kremlin. It is believed that they were swept away by the currents from the sewer into the Moskva River.

The Neglinnaya River flows underground for most of its course, starting from the northern part of the city and converging with the Moscow River near the Kremlin. Originally, around 20 participants had registered for this unique tour, but many canceled due to the forecasted heavy rainfall.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described this incident as a "terrible tragedy."

Local authorities involved in the investigation are currently working to identify the victims' identities after completing the search and recovery operation.

Meanwhile, in Russia, the trend of exploring underground facilities, known as 'digger' tourism, has gained popularity. Various travel agencies have been offering such unconventional tours as special packages.

Investigative authorities have arrested the owner and one employee of a travel agency that organized the digger tourism, and they are also tracking down another individual who fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).