Tragedy Strikes Venice: Shocking Details Unveiled in Devastating Bus Crash Claiming 21 Lives

Italian authorities are currently investigating the reason behind a tragic bus accident near Venice, which resulted in the deaths of at least 21 individuals, including two children. According to a spokesperson from the Italian fire brigade, the cause of Tuesday's crash in Mestre, described as an "apocalyptic scene," is still unknown.

RAI reported that Alberto Rizzotto, a 40-year-old bus driver, was one of the fatalities, and 18 individuals sustained injuries. The Italian fire services will investigate if the bus's battery, which overheated, contributed to the accelerated spread of the fire.

According to the company website of the bus operator, the bus was electric-powered.

Flowers are seen on Wednesday at the site where a coach crashed off an overpass in Mestre, Italy.

Claudia Greco/Reuters

Local police work at the site of the bus crash on Wednesday.

Claudia Greco/Reuters

The provincial fire brigade commander, Mauro Lungo explained batteries experience "critical issues" when they overheat, CNN affiliate Sky TG24 reported Wednesday.

Lungo's statement claims that battery concerns caused a delay in the rescue operation on Tuesday. Additionally, the Venice public prosecutor has initiated an investigation into the crash. According to a representative from the prosecutor's office, Bruno Cherchi, the head prosecutor for the Venice municipality, is heading the investigation in Mestre.

Investigators are currently analyzing the recently provided video footage in order to ascertain whether there were any additional vehicles involved in the incident or if the driver encountered a health problem, according to the spokesperson.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro of Venice revealed to state media RAI that the bus, which was teeming with individuals heading back home from work, was en route from Venice to the neighboring area of Marghera.

Emergency crew members work at the scene after a bus accident near Venice.

Stefano Mazzola/Getty Images

Italy's fire sevices will consider whether the bus's electric battery played a role in the incident.

Stefano Mazzola/Getty Images

"It veered completely off the road and catapulted off the bridge. The vehicle involved was a bus, traveling on a highway. Our hearts are heavy with grief," he stated. Brugnaro characterized the scene as "apocalyptic" in a Facebook post.

According to Italian media skytg24, the tragedy unfolded on the overpass connecting the road from Mestre to Marghera with the A4 motorway.

The bus crashed through an overpass, falling between a warehouse and the Mestre station tracks below. According to skytg24, the reasons for this incident are still unknown. Massimo Fiorese, the head of the bus operating company, stated that he had viewed footage of the moments leading up to the accident.

According to Reuters, the video captured the single-decker bus decelerating and seeming to be "nearly motionless" before smashing through the guardrail and overturning, as stated by the individual speaking to Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper.

The Italian Senate, serving as the upper house of parliament, observed a minute of silence for the crash victims on Wednesday morning, as reported on their X feed.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X, extending her personal and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government for the tragic accident that took place in Mestre. She expressed her empathy towards the victims, their families, and friends, while conveying sympathy for their loss and offering support during this difficult time.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the Italian people, as well as the families and loved ones affected by the devastating tragedy in Venice. Similarly, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, expressed his deep sadness and offered his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims involved in the tragic bus accident in Mestre. He expressed solidarity and proximity during this difficult time.