Italian Bus Plunges Into Ravine, 38 Killed

The bodies of victims of a bus crash are lined up on the road between Monteforte Irpino and Baiano on July 28

At least 38 people were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine in the southern Italy late on July 28.

Italian news agencies reported that the bus struck several cars before veering off the road, smashing through the guard rail and falling some 15 meters near the town of Avellino.

Police said it appears the driver lost control of his vehicle. The driver was among those killed.

At least 11 people were reportedly pulled out alive from the mangled wreckage of the bus.

The bus had some 50 people aboard and was headed to Naples after taking its passengers to a pilgrimage site in the southern region of Campania.

Prime Minister Enrico Letta described the accident as a "huge tragedy."


Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters