Madeira: 29 dead as tourist coach overturns on Portuguese island
All the victims are thought to be German, according the mayor, and were travelling to an evening meal in the capital.
Thursday 18 April 2019 05:16, UK
At least 29 people were killed after a tour bus carrying German tourists crashed on the Portuguese island of Madeira.
The accident happened around 6.30pm local time (5.30pm GMT), near the Quinta Splendida Hotel in Canico, when the vehicle carrying 55 people veered off a steep narrow road and rolled down a steep hillside.
Local mayor Filipe Sousa told local media: "I have no words to describe what happened. I cannot face the suffering of these people".
He also said that the bus struck at least one house during the crash.
The victims included 18 women and 11 men - one of whom died later in hospital, Mr Sousa told public broadcaster RTP.
Several ambulances were at the scene as the vehicle lay on its side on a bank next to a small road and surrounded by rescuers.
Some 27 people were injured, including the Portuguese driver and a local tour guide, and were taken to hospital.
The bus itself was five years old and had no issues on its record, he said.
Local MP Roberto Almada said the area is known as an "accident black-spot".
He added: "Before the spot where the coach went off the road, there's a very sharp bend that goes from west to east and there's been many accidents there in the past.
"It's a very difficult area for drivers, especially drivers of larger vehicles."
Tobi Hughes, editor of the Madeira Island News Blog, told Sky News that the feeling on the island is that of shock.
He said he understands that the group had been picked up from their hotel and were on their way out for an evening meal when the accident happened.
Authorities said the weather was fine at the time, and the island was still light.
A spokesperson for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "We are in deepest sorrow over all those who lost their lives in the bus crash.
"Our thoughts are with the injured."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued a statement saying: "We are seeking information from the authorities in Portugal about a bus crash in Madeira, and are ready to support any British people who require assistance"