Polish PM sends condolences after deadly bus crash in Italy

Poland's prime minister has sent his condolences after more than 20 people were killed in a bus crash in Italy.

Rescuers at the scene of the deadly bus crash in northern Italy on Tuesday.

Photo: EPA/ANDREA MEROLA

At least 21 people died on Tuesday and 18 were injured after a bus carrying tourists to a campground crashed off an overpass near Venice in northern Italy and caught fire, the Reuters news agency reported, citing local officials.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a tweet: "Fatal bus accident in Italy - what a horrific tragedy."

He added: "Polish thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families."

Fatal bus accident in Italy - what a horrific tragedy. Polish thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.

— Mateusz Morawiecki (@MorawieckiM) October 3, 2023

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement that her government's thoughts were with "the victims, their families and their friends."

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

Officials said the bus fell around 15 metres onto power lines and caught fire at around 7:45 p.m. local time, according to Reuters.

"It's an apocalyptic scene; I am speechless," Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters