Bus Crash in Venice Leaves 21 Dead and Several Injured
Venice, Italy – A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday evening in the mainland Mestre district of Venice, when a bus crashed and fell off an overpass. According to reports from local media, at least 21 people were killed and several others were injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus broke through the flyover’s guardrails before plunging almost 100 feet and landing near a railway. The vehicle also caught fire, adding to the devastation of the incident.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro took to social media platform X to express his grief and declared a citywide state of mourning in memory of the victims. He described the scene as an “apocalyptic” one, with no words to fully capture the magnitude of the tragedy.
Photos from the crash site showcased the bus overturned, partially crushed, and emitting a plume of smoke. Emergency responders, including firefighters, climbed into the wreck using ladders and flashlights to rescue victims. Videos from the scene captured alarms blaring and a helicopter flying overhead.
“There are many deaths, too many,” said one firefighter, as reported by Corriere Del Veneto, while walking away from the accident scene.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her deepest condolences for the victims of the accident and assured that she was in close contact with the officials in Venice. Similarly, Italian President Sergio Mattarella called the mayor to convey his condolences for the “very serious tragedy.”
Although the reason behind the crash remains unclear, local media drew a parallel to the Genoa bridge collapse in 2018. During heavy rain, the bridge collapsed, causing vehicles to plummet nearly 150 feet and resulting in the deaths of 43 people. The Genoa tragedy was attributed to deteriorating infrastructure, and numerous individuals responsible for the bridge’s maintenance have faced charges of manslaughter and compromising transportation safety.
As investigations into the Venice bus crash continue, the nation mourns the loss of those who perished and stands in solidarity with the injured as they recover from this horrific event.
Sources:
https://www.correre.it/venezia/22_settembre_2023/incidente-bus-sfonda-strada-mestre-morti-feriti-3ea857f0-29e2-11ed-a72d-db71981a352f.shtml
Un’immane tragedia ha colpito questa sera la nostra comunità.
Ho disposto da subito il lutto cittadino, in memoria delle numerose vittime che erano nell’autobus caduto.
Una scena apocalittica, non ci sono parole. pic.twitter.com/APnsQoPMkL— Luigi Brugnaro (@LuigiBrugnaro) October 3, 2023
Esprimo il più profondo cordoglio, mio personale e del Governo tutto, per il grave incidente avvenuto a Mestre. Il pensiero va alle vittime e ai loro famigliari e amici. Sono in stretto contatto con il Sindaco @LuigiBrugnaro e con il Ministro @Piantedosim per seguire le notizie…
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) October 3, 2023