The British Foreign Office has confirmed that five men died in the crash, adding it is in contact with local authorities and supporting the families of the victims.
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British media reported that they were members of the indie band Viola Beach, based in Warrington in northwestern England.
Police divers recovered the bodies of five men from the water.
Hundreds of friends and fans told of their sorrow on the Facebook page of the band, who released their debut single Swings and Waterslides a year ago and who many saw as rising stars.
Tributes from the world of music were paid to the group, from Warrington, Cheshire, who had played the Swedish music festival Where is the Music? on Friday. “Our thoughts are with their friends and families”.
The band’s manager Craig Tarry is understood to have also been in the vehicle.
Officers said a barrier, 50 metres before the gap, has flashing lights and signs warning there is a bridge opening. They were due in Guildford Saturday to open for the band Blossoms in a sold-out show at the Boiler Room venue.
“For some reason, this auto went through the barriers and actually went under the bridge and into the Sodertalje canal”, a police spokesman said.
The up-and-coming band previously toured with the Courteeners and worked with Communion Records founder and Mumford and Sons producer Ian Grimble.
Actor and Spandau Ballet musician Martin Kemp posted: “Thoughts and love going out to “Viola Beach” No words!”
“Tragic news about Viola Beach”, British singer-songwriter Billy Bragg wrote.
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Travis frontman Fran Healy tweeted, “So sad”. They were also due to play the Kendal Calling festival in late July.
