These images filmed inside a public bus show it missing part of the floor, with a woman sitting right above the huge gap where the driveshaft can be seen.

The footage reveals the large hole that allows passengers to directly see the operation of the driveshaft beneath them as the driver navigated route number 62 in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk City on Sakhalin Island, Russia, on 25th October.

In the footage, a woman’s leg can be seen dangerously close to the hole as she sits on a seat located right above the gaping void.

The passenger, who has not been named, told local media: “The condition of the bus was appalling, with a missing floor cover under the seat creating a hazardous gap where a child could potentially fall into the driveshaft.

“Additionally, scorching hot air was escaping from beneath the bus through the hole into the cabin.”

Russian media said that city officials contacted the transport company after the footage emerged online.

The firm, identified as the JSC Transport Company, said: “After completing maintenance, the bus driver was uncertain about the securement of the service hatch and commenced the route.

“Passengers alerted him while on the road, and the driver promptly stopped to secure the hatch before resuming the journey.

“An investigation will be conducted to assess the actions of both the driver and mechanic and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken.”