Wisma Putra said initial reports indicated that the passengers included tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, China, India, the Netherlands, South Sudan, France and Ukraine.

“A consular team has been dispatched to provide immediate assistance and support to Malaysians affected by the incident,” it said in a statement.

The ministry said it is concerned about the bus accident which occurred near Lake Åsvatnet, Norway, at about 1.30pm local time.

The accident took place amid severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, causing the bus to lose control, veer off a highway and plunge partially into the lake.

It occurred near Raftsundet, in Lofoten archipelago, northern Norway’s famous tourist destination.

Of the 58 passengers on board, three fatalities have been reported and four people have sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at Stokmarknes Hospital.

The Chinese embassy in Norway confirmed that 15 Chinese tourists were on the bus, with five sustaining minor injuries.

According to Wisma Putra, Norwegian authorities have successfully evacuated all the remaining passengers, despite adverse weather hampering initial rescue efforts.

More information regarding the incident is expected to be released by the authorities later today, it said.

“Further updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available,” Wisma Putra said.

For consular assistance, the Malaysian embassy in Stockholm may be contacted at Karlavägen 37, 114 31 Stockholm 26053 Stockholm, Sweden, or reached by phone at +46 8440 8400 (general enquiries) / +46 73 536 9152 (after working hours & weekends) or email [email protected].