A bus crash considered to be Italy’s worst road accident in decades has left 38 people dead. At least 10 others were injured, some seriously.
After hitting several cars and smashing through a barrier, the coach toppled down the steep slope near the town of Avellino. Fifty people were on board going back to Naples following a pilgrimage.
The cause of the accident is not yet known.
According to BBC:
The head of the local fire brigade division, Alessio Barbarulo, said barriers on bridges would normally prevent such accidents but “evidently it seems the impact was so strong that even the barrier gave way”.
A survivor said the driver, who was among the dead, appeared to have lost control of the bus, possibly after a tire punctured.
Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi said the vehicle had passed its annual inspection in March, and there was no indication of technical problems.
Tests are being conducted on the driver’s body to determine if he was the cause of the accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Italy at this time.
