Emergency responders on Monday were trying to determine what made a bus skid off the side of the road and down a 100-foot ravine in southern Italy, killing 38 and wounding 16.
The theory was a tire blew, and the driver fought to maintain control, NBC reported. But investigators are also testing the driver — who was among the dead — for alcohol and drugs, and medical problems, one official said in the report.
“The driver tried to keep control in all ways but did not succeed, and the bus swerved ending up down the escarpment,” said Vicenzo Rusciano, recalling to NBC what his niece, who was a passenger, told him.
Ten of those who were taken to the hospital for treatment were bus passengers. The other six were driving other vehicles, NBC reported.
The accident occurred just outside Naples on Sunday.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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