Moscow: In a tragic incident near St Petersburg, four Indian medical students drowned in a river in Russia. All four aged 18 to 20 were studying at the nearby Novgorod State University in Veliky Novgorod city.

The incident occurred when a fellow female student waded out from the beach on the river Volkhgov and got into trouble, prompting her companions to save her, as per local media reports.

In their rescue attempt, three others also drowned. However, a third boy was pulled out safely by the locals.

Following this incident, the Embassy of India in Moscow is currently working with authorities to send the victims' bodies to their relatives.

"We are working to send the bodies to the relatives as soon as possible. Proper treatment is also being provided to the student whose life has been saved," the Embassy said on X.

Speaking on the incident, the Consulate General of India in St Petersburg expressed their sincere condolences to the bereaved families. It further added that it is working along with the local authorities to send mortal remains to the relatives.

"Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. The bereaved families have been contacted and assured of all the possible help," it said. 

(Inputs from PTI)