A horrifying bus accident near Venice in Mestre has left a community in shock and mourning, as at least 21 lives were tragically lost on Tuesday. The incident unfolded when a bus, carrying tourists from a campsite in Marghera to Venice, skidded off an overpass above a railway line, plummeting a harrowing 30 meters onto the tracks below. In addition to the fatalities, 18 individuals sustained injuries, some of whom are in critical condition. The accident also resulted in significant collateral damage, as the bus tore down power lines and erupted into flames upon impact.

Michele Di Bari, the prefect of Venice, provided a heart-wrenching account of the aftermath, describing the bus as being completely demolished. Firefighters faced immense challenges in recovering bodies from the wreckage, which included two children and the 40-year-old Italian driver. The victims came from various countries, including Germany, France, and Ukraine, leaving their families and nations in grief.

The tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of bus transportation, especially for tourists, in the region. Mariana Wernerová from the Foreign Ministry confirmed that there were foreigners among the victims but stated that there was no information about Czech citizens being on the bus.

Renato Boraso, another official from Venice, disclosed that four of the injured passengers were in critical condition, and there are reports that the number of severely injured individuals may be as high as five. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi explained that the fact that the bus was gas-powered likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. However, the exact cause of the accident remains unclear.

Eyewitnesses recounted their shock and horror, with one describing the moment as hearing heavy braking and a bang, followed by smoke and screams for help. Venice police chief Marco Agostini reported that initial investigations did not reveal any signs of braking at the accident site.

This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety measures and the need for thorough investigations to prevent such accidents in the future. The thoughts and condolences of the world go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Article by Prague Forum