At least 29 people killed in Madeira tourist bus crash

At least 29 people killed in Madeira tourist bus crash

A tourist bus has crashed in the Portuguese town of Madeira, killing at least 29 and injuring a further 27.

The driver lost control of the bus causing it to plunge off-road and overturn near the town of Caniço at 6:30 pm on Wednesday night local time, according to the BBC.

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The bus reportedly struck at least one house as it crashed and rolled down a steep hillside.

Pedro Calado, vice-president of Madeira’s regional government told a press conference the Portuguese driver and local tour guide were injured and taken to a local hospital.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa offered condolences to the families of those killed in the crash via Twitter, adding he had sent condolences to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Local Mayor Filipe Sousa told broadcaster SIC TV all the tourists on the bus were German but some local people may also be among the casualties, 11 of which were men and 17 women.

DFAT told Travel Weekly in a statement the Australian Embassy in Lisbon is liaising with local authorities to determine whether any Australians have been affected by the crash.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the crash, and locals have confirmed the weather was fine at the time of the crash.

Featured image source: AP 

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