A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday evening near the Italian city of Venice, as a bus carrying tourists careened through an overpass guardrail, crashed near train tracks, and ultimately exploded. The devastating incident claimed the lives of at least 21 people, with more than a dozen others sustaining injuries. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro of Venice described the scene as “apocalyptic” and declared a day of mourning for the city.
The crash took place in Mestre, the mainland section of Venice, and rescue workers worked tirelessly throughout the night to recover survivors and bodies from the wreckage. The mayor's office reported that 12 individuals were injured and sent to the hospital, while the victims included two minors and several foreigners, including Ukrainians and potentially Germans who were staying at a local camping village.
The intensity of the tragedy was exacerbated by the fire that quickly engulfed the area when the bus fell close to the train tracks. Italy's interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, stated on Italian television that the fire had aggravated the situation, and there is a possibility that more bodies could be found amidst the flames.
Michele di Bari, the prefect of Venice, who was present at the scene, described the bus as having dropped several meters and being completely crushed upon impact. He lamented the significant loss of life, noting that many bodies had already been recovered, including that of the driver.
The news of the horrific accident prompted expressions of condolences from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella. Both leaders conveyed their deep grief for the tragedy that had befallen the victims and their families.
Authorities have provided further details regarding the incident, revealing that the bus was carrying foreign tourists, particularly Ukrainians, to a camping site. German tourists were also reported to have been onboard. The bus fell a few meters before crashing near Mestre's railway tracks, where it caught fire. Emergency crews swiftly arrived at the scene, and the state police are conducting an investigation into the incident.
Venice city official Renato Boraso confirmed that four of the injured individuals were in serious condition. He also stated that all the injured had been transported to a nearby hospital, and the railway lines had been reactivated following the accident.
As the news continues to unfold, the City of Venice has been providing updates on social media. Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed her deepest sorrow and extended her thoughts to the victims and their loved ones. This tragic event serves as a harsh reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety measures on our roadways.
