The loss of a tourist bus on Via do Infante this evening caused the death of at least three people and injuries to another 29. The accident occurred around 23:00, near the exit of the A22, near the exit from Paderne to Albufeira, in the direction Faro-Portimão.
According to a GNR source, cited by CMTV, the death toll "may reach seven."
The television channel adds that "the vehicle [of the Algarve company Frota Azul] overturned and was violently projected off the highway, falling from a viaduct to a secondary road."
The Civil Protection website said that the alert was given at 23:02 and that the passengers are Dutch, probably tourists.
There are 156 operatives supported by 59 vehicles and two INEM helicopters to help the victims, and the wounded, in a more serious condition, have already been transported to hospitals in Faro and Portimão, after having been stabilized on site.
Due to the seriousness of the accident, the resources on the ground had to be reinforced and a field hospital is already set up on the site. More than two hours after the accident, emergency teams were still providing assistance to the wounded at the field hospital.
The Mobile Emergency Psychological Intervention Unit (UMIPE) of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) was also mobilized to support survivors.
Traffic on Via do Infante is cut in both directions.
The Frota Azul bus transported 33 tourists, all Dutch nationals, who were heading to Armação de Pêra.
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