Tragedy Strikes as Bus Plunges off Overpass in Venice, Italy
VENICE – A horrific bus accident near Venice, Italy has left at least 21 people dead and 18 injured, devastating the city and its residents. The bus, carrying tourists to a nearby campground, veered off the road and fell close to railway lines in the district of Mestre.
The cause of the tragic accident is still unclear, but one possible explanation being explored is that the 40-year-old Italian driver may have taken ill before the crash. Venice city councillor Renato Boraso described the incident as appalling, and the city is now mourning the loss of lives.
The coach was carrying a total of 40 passengers, of which 21 lost their lives and 18 sustained injuries. Unfortunately, the death toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition. The injured individuals have been rushed to nearby hospitals, with four of them in serious condition.
The bus fell approximately 15 meters (50 feet) onto electricity lines and caught fire around 7:45 p.m. local time, adding to the horror of the situation. Venice’s Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed disbelief, describing the scene as apocalyptic. Firefighters faced difficulties extracting the bodies due to the severe damage to the bus.
Among the victims, five were Ukrainians and one was German. The bus also had passengers from France and Croatia. The diversity of the victims reflects the international appeal of Venice as a tourist destination. Rescuers worked tirelessly throughout the night to remove the wreckage and ensure no more passengers were trapped inside.
This devastating incident is not the first deadly bus crash in Italy in recent years. The country has experienced similar tragedies, including one in 2017 involving Hungarian students and another in 2013 where a bus plunged off a viaduct. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered her condolences and expressed the government’s support for the victims’ families and friends during these difficult times.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and authorities are determined to find answers to prevent such tragedies in the future. As Venice mourns the loss of innocent lives, the entire nation stands in solidarity with those affected by this devastating event.
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