Portugal: 28 dead after tourist bus crashes in Madeira island

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Madeira, Portugal
Funchal in the Potuguese island of Madeira. Picture from the official Facebook page of Portugal Tourism.

Lisbon (TAN): At least 28 people have died after a bus carrying predominantly German tourists crashed on the Portuguese island of Madeira, reports said.

The accident, which happened early evening while there was still light, left another 28 injured.

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The bus, which was carrying 55 passengers, a guide and a driver, reportedly veered off the road after it lost control, and rolled down the hill near the town of Caniço.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio Costa tweeted that he had sent condolences to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Twitter Portuguese PM
Screenshot of Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s tweet

Meanwhile, Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited the accident scene in Madeira with a team of doctors, psychologists and consular officials.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure that the injured get better and they are transported to Germany as soon as possible,” he tweeted.

Twitter Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas
Screenshot of the tweet by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

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Situated in northwestern Africa, Madeira is popular with Europeans owing to its picturesque landscape and pleasant climate.

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