In a tragic incident that has shaken the city of Turin, Nicola Di Carlo, the owner of Di Carlo Tours, died after the tourist bus he was driving fell into the Po River on March 26, 2025. Di Carlo, 64, was at the helm of the bus when it unexpectedly reversed and crashed through a protective barrier near Piazza Vittorio Veneto, leading to his untimely death.
The accident occurred around 5:30 PM local time. Witnesses reported that the bus leaned against the walls separating the road from the riverbank before it began to roll backward, breaking through the stone parapet and plunging into the water. Di Carlo was the only person aboard the vehicle, which had just completed a trip transporting elementary school children from Milan to the Egyptian Museum in Turin.
Rescue operations were swift, with multiple fire crews, including divers, and local police responding to the scene. Eyewitnesses recounted how Di Carlo was pulled from the bus by a nearby group of individuals, including a rower who jumped into the river to assist. Initially, he was alive but unconscious. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, who attempted to revive him for approximately 20 minutes, he was declared dead shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Di Carlo was a well-respected figure in the transportation industry, having founded Di Carlo Tours in the 1990s in Campobasso, where he ran the business alongside his brother and later, his children. The company specialized in various transport services, including tourist bus rentals and school trips, and had expanded its operations to include a branch in Lombardy.
As the news of the incident spread, it left the community of Guglionesi, where Di Carlo resided, in disbelief and mourning. Many expressed their condolences and shared memories of the dedicated businessman, who was known for his commitment to providing safe and enjoyable travel experiences.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that Di Carlo may have suffered a medical emergency, potentially a heart attack, leading to the loss of control over the vehicle. The Torino Local Police Chief, Roberto Mangiardi, noted that the bus was performing an unusual reverse maneuver before the crash, which will be a focal point of the ongoing inquiry.
During the incident, the bus struck three pedestrians—three women who were nearby. They were quickly taken to Molinette Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, including a fractured arm and various contusions. Fortunately, their conditions were reported as stable.
The area surrounding the accident site has been cordoned off, and the Vittorio Emanuele I bridge was temporarily closed, causing significant traffic disruptions in the city center. Recovery efforts for the submerged bus continued into the evening, with heavy machinery being deployed to safely extract the vehicle from the river.
Mayor Stefano Lo Russo expressed his condolences to Di Carlo's family and the injured pedestrians, emphasizing the gravity of the incident and the potential for even greater tragedy had the bus been filled with passengers. He commended the emergency services for their rapid response and their efforts to manage the situation.
As investigations proceed, authorities will examine surveillance footage from the area to gain a clearer understanding of the events leading up to the accident. The footage reportedly shows the bus making a right turn onto Piazza Vittorio before initiating the reverse maneuver that led to its tragic descent into the river.
In a statement, the local police chief reiterated the need for thorough investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. “The only objective evidence we have at this point are the camera recordings, which will help us reconstruct the events leading to this tragic outcome,” Mangiardi stated.
As the community grapples with this loss, many are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of safety in transportation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by drivers and pedestrians alike.
In the days to come, the family of Nicola Di Carlo will likely seek answers regarding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking accident. Meanwhile, the local community continues to rally around those affected, offering support and solidarity during this difficult time.
Di Carlo’s legacy in the transportation industry, characterized by a commitment to service and community, will be remembered by many. His passing is a significant loss not only to his family but also to the broader community that depended on his services.
