28 people have been killed after a coach crashed off of a road on the island of Madeira

News24xx.com - At least 28 people have been killed after a coach crashed off of a road on the island of Madeira. 

The vehicle was carrying 55 passengers and a guide when it crashed on a winding mountain road near the Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden hotel.

The coach had been on its way to Funchal when the incident took place. Distressing video showed the walking wounded being helped away from the scene by emergency responders.

Several survivors were sat by the side of the road. Mr Sousa later confirmed 28 people had died – 11 men and 17 women. All of the victims were German. 

The coach, which belonged to a Madeiran firm, had reportedly been chartered by a travel firm on the holiday island called Travel One.

The driver and the guide, who are both Portuguese, were injured but it is not known if they are among the three people described as seriously injured. 

A local journalist said in an interview with Portuguese TV station SIC soon after news of the accident emerged that investigators were looking at a possible mechanical failure and hinted at a problem with the brakes. 

Although it was initially announced Portuguese President Marcelo de Sousa would travel to Madeira on a military jet, it later emerged the trip had been suspended for the time being because the plane was needed to transport casualties. 

 

 

 

 

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