Turkey voices sorrow over Portuguese bus accident

ANKARA

Turkey on Thursday extended condolences to the victims’ families and victims of a bus accident on a Portuguese island.

"We received the news with deep sorrow that many German tourists lost their lives or were injured as a result of the traffic accident that took place on the Island of Madeira in Portugal," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The island is part of an archipelago lying some 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) southwest of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased and to the people of Germany and Portugal and wish speedy recovery to those injured in this tragic accident,” the statement added.

According to local media reports, 28 German national tourists -- including 17 women -- were killed when the driver lost control of a tour bus.

Both the bus driver and a tour guide were injured.