Mass funeral for Italy bus victims

30 July 2013 Last updated at 11:05 GMT There were emotional scenes at the huge sports hall, as Nik Gowing reports

A funeral has been held near the southern Italian town of Pozzuoli for the 38 victims of Sunday's bus crash.

Prime Minister Enrico Letta was among about 4,000 people at the service, which was held in a sports hall.

Bishop of Pozzuoli, Gennaro Pascarella, urged the authorities to clarify the causes of the accident, saying: "We must ensure this never happens again."

The coach lost control on a viaduct near Monteforte Irpino, hitting several other cars and plunging into a ravine.

In his homily, Bishop Pascarella appealed for support for the bereaved families.

"Political and religious institutions should not leave our brothers alone, especially those who have found themselves without any economic support," he said.

Continue reading the main story Families and friends of those killed in the accident crowded around the flower-draped coffins, lined up in front of the altar.

"We feel terrible. We all know each other here. We are all a bit like brothers and sisters," said one man, Franco, who said he had lost a friend in the accident.

Before the ceremony, relatives of the dead wept and clutched the coffins, placing flowers, photographs and other memorabilia for their loved ones.

One coffin was adorned with a photo of the deceased's wedding day, and a scarf in the colours of the football team, Napoli.

Bodies identified

On Monday, hundreds of relatives had to identify the bodies of their loved ones at a school near the crash site which had been turned into a temporary morgue.

"They told me to look at all the bodies until I found my brother," said one man who gave his name as Ciro.

"It was like a mountain had fallen on my head."

Ten of the coach's passengers were hurt in the accident on Sunday. Nine people were also injured in cars hit by the bus before it careered off the road.

Prosecutors have launched an investigation into possible manslaughter.

One survivor said from her hospital bed that she believed a tyre had burst. Police have ordered a post-mortem examination on the body of the driver, who is among the dead.

Investigators will examine the driver's role as well as the condition of the coach and the crash barriers on the road.

The vehicle was carrying a local tour group from the birthplace of Padre Pio, an Italian priest canonised in 2002.

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Italy minister suffers banana insult

27 July 2013 Last updated at 21:20 GMT Cecile Kyenge has refused to be intimidated by the racial abuse she has suffered Italian politicians have reacted with anger after the country's first black minister had bananas thrown at her during a political rally.

Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge, who has suffered racial abuse in the past, dismissed the act as "a waste of food".

But Environment Minister Andrea Orlando said on Twitter he felt the "utmost indignation" over the incident.

Earlier this month an Italian senator apologised after saying Ms Kyenge reminded him of an orangutan.

Congolese-born Ms Kyenge was speaking at a Democratic Party (PD) rally in Cervia on Friday when an unidentified spectator threw bananas towards the stage, narrowly missing her.

Italian police say they are trying to find the culprit.

'Courage to change'

Responding on Twitter, Ms Kyenge called the incident "sad" and "a waste of food".

"The courage and optimism to change things has to come above all from the bottom up to reach the institutions," she added.

Italian politicians rallied behind her on Saturday with messages of support and condemnation.

Education Minister Maria Chiara Carrozza praised Ms Kyenge for her courage and determination in such a hostile climate.

Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia from the anti-immigration Northern League also spoke out against the incident, saying: "Throwing bananas, personal insults... acts like these play no part in the civilised and democratic discussion needed between the minister and those who don't share her opinion."

Correspondents say the slurs and threats suffered by Ms Kyenge have highlighted the extent of casual racism in Italian society.

Senate vice-president Roberto Calderoli, of the Northern League, faced calls to quit earlier this month after making the orangutan remarks.

He told parliament he had made a "serious mistake" with his "offensive" comment and he would send Ms Kyenge a bunch of roses.

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