EP plenary commemorates the victims of the bus accident in Switzerland

The European Parliament held today a minute of silence to commemorate the victims of the tragic bus accident which took place in Sierre Switzerland.

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz stated:

"Last night there was a tragic road accident in Switzerland. A Belgian coach carrying 52 passengers crashed in a tunnel, and at least 28 people, including 22 children, were killed.

We are all deeply shocked. All of us have seen the pictures of this disaster on TV. On behalf of Parliament I extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and to all those affected by this disaster.

I have already conveyed our deepest condolences to the King of Belgians and the Belgian government.

Everyone of us in this House - if we have children or if we remember our own relationship with our parents - can certainly comprehend what it means to send your children on a holiday trip and see coffins come home. Therefore our sincere and heartfelt sympathy is with the parents.

I would ask you to dedicate a minute's silence to the victims and their relatives."