Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
A tragic incident unfolded in Italy as a tour bus plunged into a river in Turin, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to three pedestrians. The accident occurred while the bus was reversing near the Vittorio Emanuele bridge, sending shockwaves through onlookers.
Disturbing video evidence shows the tour vehicle moving backwards towards the edge of the Vittorio Emanuele bridge in Turin. Helpless bystanders witnessed the unfolding disaster with growing alarm as the bus approached closer to the riverbank.
Nearby cars honked their horns in a frantic effort to alert the driver and avert the impending tragedy. Despite these warnings, the bus continued its trajectory, ultimately plummeting into the River Po. The vehicle crashed into the water with a large splash, subsequently sinking below the surface and disappearing from sight. Eyewitnesses at the scene reacted with screams and expressions of disbelief as the catastrophic event unfolded in front of them.
Driver’s Fatal Injury
The driver, identified as 64-year-old Nicola Di Carlo, was reportedly found injured and covered in blood when rescued from the submerged bus. A group of bystanders, including a rower who bravely entered the river, pulled him from the wreckage.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the location and provided immediate medical assistance. However, despite their resuscitation attempts, the driver tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Local news source ‘La Stampa’ reported that there were no passengers aboard the tour bus at the time of the incident.
This is the horrific moment a tour bus plunges into an Italian river while reversing, killing the driver and injuring three pedestrians
Chilling video footage captures the vehicle rolling towards the ledge, near the Vittorio Emanuele bridge in Turin yesterday, as helpless bystanders watch on in dread
The driver, Nicola Di Carlo, 64, was reportedly ‘covered in blood’ but alive when he was pulled from the bus by a group of bystanders including a rower who jumped into the river to assist. Emergency services rushed to the scene but, despite their best efforts, they were unable to save him
Eyewitness Account
A 17-year-old student from a nearby educational institution described the scene to a local publication: ‘There was an immense crash. I have never witnessed anything comparable.’
‘I observed the bus breach the road boundary, momentarily remain vertical, and then descend directly downwards.
‘A significant splash erupted in the water, and the surrounding individuals began shouting.’
Possible Cause of the Turin Bus Accident
Italian media source Corriere della Sera suggests that a sudden illness may have been the primary factor contributing to the crash.
Preliminary reports indicate that the tour bus was en route to Milan to collect a group of elementary school children for a scheduled school excursion to the Egyptian Museum in Turin.
Pedestrian Injuries
During the vehicle’s maneuver, the bus made contact with three women, who sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.
Official Response and Investigation
Mayor’s Statement
Stefano Lo Russo, the Mayor of Turin, addressed the incident stating, ‘Investigations are currently in their initial phase. The only concrete evidence available are the video recordings from both the Police Headquarters and our municipal cameras.’
Details from Camera Footage
He further explained: ‘Reviewing the camera footage, it is evident that the bus arrived from Lungo Po Cadorna, turned onto Piazza Vittorio, and approached the initial exedra.
‘Subsequently, it initiated a reverse maneuver at a 45-degree angle, an unconventional action for standard vehicle operation, traversed the entire interchange area of the intersection, impacted the balustrade of the Murazzi del Po, and submerged into the river with its rear section, ultimately resting on its left side.’