Coach tragedy in Turin: Driver dies as bus plunges into river
Tragedy strikes in the centre of Turin as a coach plummets into the River Po, right in the heart of the city. There are casualties as a result. Despite the prompt response from rescue teams, they could not save the 64-year-old driver. Fortunately, there were no other passengers on the bus.
The dramatic event unfolded in Turin on Wednesday, 26th March, at approximately 5:30 PM local time, close to the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge. This bridge links Turin's centre with the river's opposite bank.
Footage captured by the city’s CCTV reveals how a medium-sized bus breached the bridge's barriers while reversing before plunging into the river.
The emergency services swiftly initiated a rescue operation. Inside the vehicle was a 64-year-old driver. Although rescuers quickly retrieved the man from the water, he tragically succumbed after brief resuscitation efforts. According to the Italian newspaper "La Stampa", the coach had no passengers on board.
Bystanders were also impacted by the incident. During the manoeuvre, the coach collided with three women, who sustained minor injuries. They received treatment from Italian medical teams.
Witnesses recount the drama in Turin
Eyewitnesses told Italian media that the driver was "covered in blood" as he was pulled out and that the rescue operation began instantly. Many people highlighted the enormous noise that accompanied the incident.
There was an incredible crash; I have never experienced anything like it. I saw the bus cross the roadway boundary, and it stood vertically for a few seconds before moving straight down. There was an immense splash in the water, and everyone around started yelling, said a 17-year-old student from a nearby school to "La Stampa".
The unconfirmed reasons behind the incident suggest that the driver might have fainted at the wheel. Other possibilities include an improper manoeuvre on the road. Divers have confirmed that no other individuals were in the coach. The causes of the incident remain under investigation by the Italian authorities.
