A bus plummeted 50 feet from an elevated road in Venice, killing 21 people in a fiery crash

A tragic incident unfolded in Venice as a bus, carrying numerous passengers, plunged a harrowing 15 meters (50 feet) from an elevated road, resulting in a devastating fiery crash. This horrific accident claimed the lives of 21 individuals and left approximately 15 others injured, predominantly comprising foreign tourists who were returning to a nearby campsite.

According to the Venice prefecture, among the fatalities were at least four Ukrainians and a German citizen. Distressingly, two of the victims were children, as noted by Venice prefect Michele Di Bari, who also mentioned that many of those involved in the accident were of young age.

Dedicated firefighters worked tirelessly through the night into the early hours of Wednesday to clear the wreckage. Subsequently, traffic began to slowly pass through the area where the bus had breached a guardrail and a weathered fence.

The accident site garnered the attention of onlookers, with some local residents expressing that the overpass in question had been in use for more than six decades without any prior similar incidents. A poignant moment occurred when a motorcyclist, clad in a biker jacket, halted to affix a bouquet of plastic flowers to a nearby post as a mark of respect.

The ill-fated bus had been transporting foreign tourists from Venice’s Piazzale Roma to the Hu campground on the evening of the tragedy when it tragically plummeted from the elevated road adjacent to railway tracks in the Mestre borough, igniting in flames. It’s worth noting that tourists often seek accommodations in the boroughs beyond Venice’s famous historic center, opting for more budget-friendly options.

The injured, including five individuals in serious condition, encompassed nationals from France, Spain, Austria, and Croatia, as reported by local authorities. The Spanish Foreign Ministry provided an update, confirming that two Spanish citizens were injured in the incident and were currently hospitalized in stable condition.

Regrettably, the bus driver, Alberto Rizzotto, lost his life in the crash. Renato Boraso, a Venice city councilor, attested to Rizzotto’s experience as a driver, and local prosecutors are actively investigating whether any medical conditions may have contributed to the accident.

Rescue operations faced additional challenges due to the fact that the bus was electric, which exacerbated the intensity of the fire and complicated the rescue efforts.

Godstime Erheneden, a resident near the accident site, acted heroically by rushing to assist immediately after hearing the crash. He was among the first responders who entered the bus. Erheneden recounted the harrowing scene, mentioning that he encountered the deceased driver and subsequently rescued a distressed woman and man. He vividly described a heart-wrenching moment when he found a 2-year-old girl, resembling the size of his own young son. His efforts to save her were overshadowed by the arrival of professional rescuers, who swiftly attended to her.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro conveyed the gravity of the situation through a somber message on a social media platform, describing the scene as “apocalyptic” and declaring a state of mourning.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of transportation accidents, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and safety measures.

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More about Tragic Bus Crash in Venice

• Venice Bus Crash Claims 21 Lives – Detailed news article covering the tragic bus crash incident in Venice.
• Venice Prefecture Official Updates – Official information and updates from the Venice prefecture regarding the accident.
• Firefighters’ Efforts in Venice Bus Crash – Information on the challenges faced by firefighters during the rescue operation.
• Past Transportation Incidents in Italy – Historical context on previous transportation incidents in Italy, highlighting the need for safety measures.
• Venice Mayor’s Statement – Read Mayor Luigi Brugnaro’s statement on the tragic bus crash in Venice.