4-10-2023 (VENICE) Tragedy struck near the Italian city of Venice as a bus crashed off a flyover and erupted in flames, resulting in the loss of at least 21 lives, including two children. The incident occurred in the district of Mestre, which is linked to Venice via a bridge, when the bus broke through a barrier and plummeted near railway tracks.
Among the deceased are five Ukrainians, one German, and the Italian bus driver, as confirmed by city prefect Michele Di Bari. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro described the incident as a “huge tragedy,” expressing his shock and sorrow on social media, saying, “An apocalyptic scene, there are no words.”
The bus is believed to have been rented to transport tourists between Venice and a campsite located in the nearby Marghera district. The accident took place at approximately 19:45 (17:45 GMT) while the bus was reportedly returning tourists to the campsite.
Some reports indicate that the bus was fueled by methane gas and may have fallen onto power lines, leading to the fire.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi cautioned that the death toll could increase as rescue efforts continue. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and rescue workers are still at the scene.
As of now, 18 individuals are confirmed to have sustained injuries, with five of them in serious condition. A reception point staffed with psychologists and psychiatrists has been established at a nearby hospital to provide support to the families of the victims.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences and stated that she is closely monitoring the situation. She said, “Our thoughts go out to the victims and their family and friends.”
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, offered her support to Italian leaders during this “moment of profound pain.”
This tragic incident near Venice serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of road travel, with Italy having experienced a major bus accident in 2013 when 38 people lost their lives after a coach lost control on a viaduct near the south Italian town of Monteforte Irpino. The coach struck several other cars before plunging into a ravine.
Scene in Venice, Italy where a bus plunged off an overpass, killing at least 21 people pic.twitter.com/l5pgpqVuSb
— BNO News (@BNONews) October 3, 2023
