On March 26, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded in Turin when a tourist bus plunged into the Po River near Piazza Vittorio Veneto, resulting in the death of its driver. The bus, operated by Di Carlo Tours, was reportedly reversing when it crashed through a protective wall and fell into the river, partially submerging.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene that unfolded around 5:30 PM. Filippo Camedda, who was present at the Murazzi area, recounted, "I saw a bus speeding wildly; it hit the stone railing, teetered for a moment, and then fell into the river." A few bystanders, including members of a rowing club, rushed to the scene to assist. They attempted to rescue the driver by breaking the bus's windows and providing first aid for approximately 30 minutes.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and medical personnel, arrived promptly at the scene. The driver was pulled from the vehicle but was found unconscious. Despite the best efforts of rescuers, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Fortunately, the incident did not result in more severe injuries. Three women who were in the vicinity sustained minor injuries when the bus struck them as it fell. They were taken to CTO hospital for evaluation, where it was confirmed that their injuries were not life-threatening. All three women were reported to have sustained injuries classified as 'green code,' indicating they were stable.
The bus was returning from a school trip to the Egyptian Museum in Turin, where it had transported a class of elementary school students from Milan. Thankfully, the children were traveling back in a different vehicle at the time of the accident, sparing them from witnessing the horrific event.
As investigations continue, authorities are looking into the circumstances that led to the bus reversing and subsequently crashing. Initial reports suggest that the driver may have been disoriented or unwell, which could have contributed to the accident. Firefighters and divers have been searching the river for any other potential victims, although it has been confirmed that no passengers were aboard the bus at the time.
This incident has raised concerns about safety measures in place for tourist vehicles, particularly those operating in busy urban areas. Local authorities are expected to review regulations regarding bus operations and safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The community is left mourning the loss of the driver, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of his family. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of road travel and the importance of stringent safety measures.
As the investigation unfolds, updates will be provided regarding the findings and any subsequent actions taken by local authorities to enhance safety on the roads.
