In a tragic incident near Venice, Italy, a tourist coach plunged off an overpass, resulting in the loss of lives for at least 21 individuals and injuries for 15 others. The heart-wrenching event took place as the coach, carrying tourists who had spent the day in Venice, was heading towards a Marghera campsite. This calamity happened around 7:45 pm local time, causing the vehicle to drop 30 meters onto electricity lines, which then led to a destructive fire.
The passengers on the ship were confirmed to be citizens of Ukraine, Germany, and France by Venice prefect Michele Di Bari. Unfortunately, two children were among the deceased. Additionally, the accident claimed the life of the 40-year-old Italian driver. Di Bari, the local representative of the interior ministry, described the scene as challenging due to the severe damage to the bus and the difficulty in retrieving the bodies.
According to Renato Boraso, an official from Venice, four individuals who were injured are in serious condition. As reported, the coach veered off the road in Mestre and came dangerously close to railway lines before quickly catching fire. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that the bus's use of methane as fuel contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The cause of this tragic incident is still uncertain. There is a bridge connecting Mestre to Venice. In reaction to the devastation, Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of Venice, expressed his shock and mentioned that the scene rendered him speechless. 18 bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage, while several others have suffered injuries as a result of the coach catching fire. The fire service expressed their condolences, noting the high number of casualties.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sincerest condolences for the grave accident that took place in Mestre, stressing that their sympathies are with the victims and their loved ones.
The campsite reportedly hired the coach privately for its guests. An eyewitness named Leonardo, recounted a chilling moment when he heard heavy braking, initially mistaking it for a train. Subsequently, he heard a thud and upon investigation, witnessed smoke and heard people screaming for help. However, he was unable to assist due to the raging fire and the potential risk of explosion.
According to Marco Agostini, commander of the Venice Municipal Police, preliminary findings indicate that there were no signs of braking.
European leaders offered their heartfelt condolences, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing solidarity with the Italian people and emphasizing their thoughts and support for the victims and their families. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims and the injured, while also offering her support to Italy's leaders during this deeply sorrowful time. Charles Michel, the European Council President, expressed profound sadness regarding the tragic bus accident.
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