The tragic incident of a School Tour Bus Plunges Into Turin’s Po River has left the city in shock. On March 27, 2025, a devastating accident claimed the life of Nicola Di Carlo, a 64-year-old bus driver, and injured three pedestrians. The accident unfolded near the Vittorio Emanuele bridge, a site now marked by sorrow and unanswered questions.
The school tour bus plunges into Turin’s Po River in what appears to be a sudden and unexpected disaster, raising concerns about vehicular safety and medical emergencies behind the wheel.
The Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash
Eyewitnesses describe a horrifying moment when the empty tour bus, reportedly en route to Milan to pick up elementary school children for an educational trip to the Egyptian Museum in Turin, suddenly began rolling backward. Bystanders and motorists desperately tried to warn the driver, honking horns and shouting warnings.
However, despite these efforts, the bus continued its unintended course before plunging into the frigid waters of the Po River. Surveillance footage from both the Police Headquarters and municipal cameras captured the shocking moment, providing critical evidence for the ongoing investigation.
As the bus descended into the river, immediate rescue efforts commenced. Several bystanders, including a courageous rower, sprang into action, diving into the water in an attempt to save the driver.
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When Nicola Di Carlo was pulled from the river, he was reportedly “covered in blood” but still showed signs of life. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, Di Carlo succumbed to his injuries.
Possible Causes and Investigative Findings
Authorities are currently examining multiple factors that could have led to the crash. While initial speculation pointed to mechanical failure or a possible handbrake malfunction, reports from local media outlet Corriere della Sera suggest that the accident may have been the result of a medical emergency suffered by the driver.
This hypothesis gains credibility given the absence of passengers on the bus and the lack of any prior indications of reckless driving. Medical emergencies behind the wheel are not uncommon, and in some cases, they can lead to fatal accidents.
Horrifying moment a school tour bus plunges into an Italian river while reversing. pic.twitter.com/TLtezJRRSP
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 29, 2025
If Nicola Di Carlo experienced a sudden health crisis, such as a heart attack or stroke, he may have been unable to control the vehicle, leading to the tragic sequence of events. Investigators are awaiting medical reports to determine if an underlying health condition contributed to the crash.
Mayor Stefano Lo Russo emphasized the importance of the ongoing investigation, stating, “The investigations are just beginning. The only objective evidence we have are the videos from the cameras, both from the Police Headquarters and ours.” Authorities are working closely with forensic experts to analyze the available footage, vehicle condition, and any potential medical history of the driver.
Impact and Aftermath of the Incident
The accident has left Turin in mourning, with residents expressing grief over the loss of Nicola Di Carlo. He was described by colleagues as a dedicated and experienced driver with a strong sense of responsibility.
The local transport community is particularly shaken by the incident, as it raises questions about driver health screenings and safety protocols for public transportation operators.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, three pedestrians sustained minor injuries after being struck by the bus before it plunged into the river. The victims, all women, were treated for their injuries and later released from medical care. Their testimonies, along with those of other eyewitnesses, will be crucial in reconstructing the exact timeline of events.
In the wake of this tragedy, discussions surrounding road safety and emergency preparedness have intensified. Authorities are now reviewing existing protocols to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
Some experts suggest implementing regular health checks for drivers, especially those responsible for transporting children or operating large vehicles. Others advocate for advanced safety mechanisms in buses, such as automatic braking systems that could prevent unintended rollbacks.
The bus, now recovered from the river, will undergo a detailed technical examination to rule out any mechanical failures. While the primary focus remains on the possible medical emergency suffered by the driver, officials are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of answers.
As Turin processes the aftermath of this devastating accident, the community stands united in support of the victims and their families. The tragic death of Nicola Di Carlo serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of stringent safety measures in public transportation.
The final investigative report is expected to shed light on the exact causes of the crash, bringing much-needed closure to those affected by this heartbreaking event.