Major bus crash in Venice kills at least 21 tourists
At least 21 people, including two children, were killed and 18 others were injured after a tour bus crashed off a viaduct near the Italian city of Venice and caught fire, BBC News reported.
The bus crashed through a barrier and fell near train tracks in the Mestre district, which is connected to Venice by a bridge. Five Ukrainians, a German driver, and an Italian driver were among the dead, said Michele Di Bari, the city's prefect.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro called the crash a "huge tragedy."
"An apocalyptic scene, there are no words," he said on social media.
The bus had been chartered to transport tourists between Venice and a campsite in the nearby Marghera district. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. local time, as the bus was taking tourists back to the campsite. According to some reports, the bus was powered by methane gas.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi warned that the death toll could rise. The cause of the crash is not yet known, and rescuers are still working at the scene.
It is known that at least 18 people were injured, five of them seriously. A reception point has been set up at a nearby hospital, with psychologists and psychiatrists on hand to provide support to the families of the victims.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is following the developments and expressed condolences.
"Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and friends," she said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also sent a message of support in this "moment of deep sorrow."
Translation by Iurie Tataru
