Qafa e Vishës bus accident

The Qafa e Vishës bus accident occurred on 21 May 2012, at Qafa e Vishës (Albanian pronunciation: [cafa ɛ viʃəs]) near Himarë, Albania, when a bus plunged 80 metres (260 ft) off a cliff. Most of the victims were students of Aleksandër Xhuvani University of Elbasan. The driver is also believed to have been killed. The students were travelling from Elbasan to Saranda.

Incident

The bus fell into an 80-metre (262 ft) ravine off the road, according to police spokeswoman Klejda Plangarica, and a police investigation was under way. Ambulances and rescue helicopters were sent to assist the wounded and bring them to hospital, amid fears the casualty count could mount.^[2]

The Mayor of Himarë, Gjergj Goro, declared that the entire structures of the area, together with the citizens, made everything in their power to save the injured. In an interview with Top Channel. He underlined that the investigation team is taking the necessary steps into finding what caused the accident and declared that part of the road had already been repaired, though the bodies of the 11 victims are still there. An eye witnesses told Top Channel that the local residents rushed to help the passengers that were still alive.^[3]

Reactions

Albanian President Bamir Topi, who visited the Tirana Military Hospital, where some of the injured were taken, expressed his "sincere condolences" to the relatives of the victims and his regret for the accident. "The entire Albanian state has risen to help the injured." Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha sent condolences to the families of those killed from Chicago, where he was attending the 2012 NATO Chicago Summit. Socialist Party leader Edi Rama visited the hospital and donated blood for the injured, as well as expressing his deep regret for the lost lives and declaring that all Socialist controlled municipalities in southern Albania, Vlora, Orikum and Himarë were moving to help ease the situation. "A horrible tragedy has shocked our nation today. These are hours of solidarity and efforts for trying and save any human life possible. I am sure that the Military Hospital will make everything possible for saving the lives of the injured victims."^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

The Government of Albania, with an order by Berisha, declared 22 May to be a day of national mourning with flags flown at half-mast and public television Radio Televizioni Shqiptar broadcast classical music. The government would also pay all funeral expenses.^[9][10]

Kosovo's Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, expressed the deep shock of the Kosovo citizens. "We join the deep regret and sorrow of the families that lost their children in this tragedy. The Kosovo people are praying for a quick recovery of the injured." Hoxhaj also expressed the full solidarity and readiness of the Kosovo government to help the Albanian authorities and family in every possible way.^[11][12] Kosovo's President Atifete Jahjaga, Chairman of the Assembly Jakup Krasniqi and Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi also expressed their condolences on behalf of the people and the state of Kosovo.^[13][14][15]

US Ambassador in Tirana Alexander Arvizu and the entire staff of Embassy of the United States in Tirana expressed their deep sorrow and profound condolences to those who lost loved ones in the tragic bus accident that occurred near Himarë. For all those who survived the accident, our thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery said in statement of the embassy.^[16] On 24 May Ambassador Arvizu during a visit to the University of Elbasan "Aleksandër Xhuvani," accompanied by the Mayor of Elbasan Qazim Sejdini, and lecturers, Ambassador Arvizu laid a bouquet of flowers in front of the photos of victims. In brief remarks to the media, Ambassador Arvizu noted, "I speak not just on behalf of the staff of the American Embassy, but on behalf of Americans everywhere. We are just so incredibly sad that such beautiful young people lost their lives like this. The pain is something almost impossible for me to bear; I can only imagine the suffering of those of you who knew these wonderful young people. So we pray for their souls and for comfort for their families and friends. I am grateful that some people survived that horrible accident and certainly pray for their complete and speedy recovery. I was very impressed with the way the entire country came together over this terrible accident. Maybe that is the legacy; that people came together for these wonderful young people. Again, my deepest sympathy and condolences to everyone." said Mr. Arvizu.^[17] The embassy of Turkey and the Ambassador of the European Union also expressed condolences.^[18][19]

As result of the crash, Albanian public television station RTSH did not broadcast the first semifinal of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest live on 22 May when Albania participated with singer Rona Nishliu and instead delayed the broadcast by more than 2 hours. As a result of the deferral of the contest, the country utilized jury votes for the first semifinal and utilized them again in the final on 26 May.^[20] Rona Nishliu also stated in the Press Conference that she dedicated her performance to all of those who were killed and injured. RTK also preempted its normal primetime television lineup to cover the bus crash.

Pope Benedict XVI sent a condolence message to the Apostolic Administration of Southern Albania, Monsignor Hil Kabashi for Himara tragedy. In this telegram the Pope charges to convey to victims' families deep feelings of grief, and provides for his prayer from the heart for the dead and wounded. As noa.al reports on Pope Benedict's message states that, "I informed about severe traffic accident that occurred in the Himara, that killed thirteen students, the Holy Father assigns to submit your excellency that the victims families feelings and deep grief while providing for his prayer from the heart for the dead and wounded, asking for God's comfort for those who suffer the tragic loss of their loved ones and heavenly blessings on the whole nation so struck by this tragic event. Written by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State of His Holiness."^[21]

References

Coordinates: 40°07′00″N 19°44′00″E / 40.1167°N 19.7333°E / 40.1167; 19.7333