Dead and injured on Madeira
The Chancellor was shocked to hear of the accident involving a bus on the Portuguese island of Madeira, which has left many Germans dead. "My sincere sympathy goes above all to the families who have lost their loved ones in this accident," said Angela Merkel.
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"I hope with the injured and their families that they manage to overcome the physical and the emotional consequences," said Chancellor Angela Merkel. She thanked "the rescue services, the ambulance staff and the doctors who have worked under difficult conditions at the scene of the accident".
The accident on Wednesday evening on the Portuguese island of Madeira cost at least 29 people their lives. The bus, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, went off the road for reasons that are not yet clear. It slid down a slope and fell on a house.
Heiko Maas on the way to the site of the accident
Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is to fly out to Madeira today with a team of doctors, psychologists and consular officials to speak personally to the people affected.
"We thank our Portuguese friends for their enormous sympathy and help at this difficult time," said Heiko Maas. His special thanks went to the rescue services on the spot.
Federal Foreign Office telephone hotline
Families seeking information can contact the Federal Foreign Office hotline at +49 30 - 5000 3000.