21 Fatalities in Venice Bus Crash
A devastating accident occurred in the Mestre district of Venice on Tuesday evening when a bus plummeted from an overpass. The tragic incident resulted in the death of at least 21 individuals, with several more injured.
The bus reportedly breached the flyover's safety barriers, descending nearly 100 feet before coming to a halt near a railway. Following the crash, the bus was engulfed in flames.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro described the scene as "apocalyptic" on social media and announced a citywide state of mourning to honor the victims.
Images from the crash site depicted the bus overturned, partially crushed, and emitting smoke. Emergency personnel, including firefighters, were seen accessing the overturned vehicle with ladders, rescuing victims, and assessing the situation. Videos captured the sounds of alarms and the presence of a hovering helicopter.
A firefighter, visibly shaken by the scene, commented on the significant loss of life to local news outlet Corriere Del Veneto.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her profound condolences on Twitter, mentioning her ongoing communication with Venice's top officials. Similarly, Italian President Sergio Mattarella reached out to the Venice mayor, conveying his sympathies for the tragic event.
The cause of the crash remains uncertain. However, it brings to mind the 2018 bridge collapse in Genoa, where vehicles fell nearly 150 feet during a heavy downpour, resulting in 43 fatalities. The Genoa disaster was attributed to deteriorating infrastructure, leading to charges against several individuals responsible for the bridge's maintenance.