A horrifying incident unfolded near Venice as a bus carrying 39 passengers crashed off a flyover, plunged almost 15 metres (50 feet), and burst into flames, leaving at least 21 people dead, including several children. The tragic accident occurred in the district of Mestre, connected to Venice by a bridge, when the bus broke through a barrier and plummeted near railway tracks. Among the deceased were five Ukrainians, one German, and the Italian driver, as confirmed by city prefect Michele Di Bari.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed his shock, describing the scene as an “apocalyptic” tragedy. “There are no words,” he stated on social media. The victims included three children, including a baby, and emergency services fear the death toll might rise. Fifteen individuals were injured, five of them seriously, with nationalities ranging from Ukrainians and Austrians to Spaniards and other foreign tourists.
The bus, reportedly a hybrid vehicle powered by electric batteries and methane gas, was rented by a local company to transport tourists from Venice’s historic centre to a campsite in the nearby Marghera district. The crash occurred around 19:45 local time (18:45 WAT) on Tuesday. The vehicle’s gas tank reportedly exploded upon impact, complicating the firefighters’ efforts to extinguish the flames and clear the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing screams, but the intensity of the fire prevented immediate intervention. Brave individuals, including a 27-year-old Gambian worker, were among the first responders, pulling several people, including a young girl, from the burning bus.
The exact cause of the accident remains unclear. Investigators are examining footage from security cameras near the crash site. The 40-year-old bus driver, who had worked for the company for seven years, seemingly made no attempt to brake before the crash, raising speculation that he might have become ill moments before the accident.
A reception point, staffed by psychologists and psychiatrists, has been established at a nearby hospital to provide support for the families of the victims. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences, saying, “My thoughts are with the victims and their family and friends.”
Italy has tragically witnessed similar accidents in the past, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and awareness on the roads to prevent such devastating incidents. The nation mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event.
Kiki Garba.
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