Four Indian medical students were drowned to death in a river in Russia's Veliky Novgorod, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (June 7, 2024).

One of the students was recovered from the river.

"In the incident, a fifth Indian student was saved from drowning and is presently receiving medical attention," read the statement issued by the MEA.

"Our Consulate in St. Petersburg remains in contact with the university and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance," the statement said.

"Local emergency services have so far recovered two dead bodies from the Volkhov river," the statement said.

Officials are searching for the remaining two bodies of the drowned Indian nationals.

MEA said the five students involved in the accident belong to the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra.

"Our Consulate in St. Petersburg is coordinating with local authorities for the repatriation of the mortal remains. The Consulate continues to be in contact with the families and the district administration in Jalgaon, Maharashtra," the statement said.