Brussels, 29/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - With a tragic accident throwing the south of Europe into mourning once again, representatives of the European institutions have conveyed their condolences to the families of the victims of the coach crash in Italy, which took place on Sunday evening, 50 kilometres from Naples. On Monday afternoon, the death toll stood at 39 with a dozen more injured at the time of going to press. The coach was carrying around 50 people, most of whom were children, which has echoes of a similar tragic accident in a Swiss tunnel in March 2012.
The Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, described the incident as a “very sad moment for Italy”. The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, expressed his sadness and sent all Italians his “warmest thoughts, most sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy”. Speaking on behalf of the European Parliament, President Martin Schulz also sent his condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy, and to the Italian authorities and rescue teams who helped to save lives.
Through his Twitter account, European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas also said that he was saddened by the terrible accident, which had made this a “tragic” summer, less than a week after the rail accident in Spain. He will write to Italian Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi to offer the Commission's services if required, once more is known about the causes of the accident. (MD/transl.fl)