Slovakia’s premier cuts Cyprus visit short

Slovakia’s Premier Peter Pellegrini cut his official visit in Cyprus short due to a tragic accident in his country which resulted in the death of at least 13 people.

Pellegrini was due Thursday to be welcomed by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and House Speaker Demetris Syllouris as part of an official visit to the island.

In a message on Twitter, Pellegrini wrote on Wednesday that he would cut his visit to Cyprus short and return to Slovakia.

“I feel deep sorrow for all the victims and express my sincere condolences to all the survivors,” he wrote.

Pri Nitre sa dnes stala strašná tragédia. Okamžite som ukončil moju oficiálnu návštevu Cypru a vraciam sa na Slovensko. Cítim nesmiernu ľútosť k všetkým obetiam a vyjadrujem úprimnú sústrasť všetkým pozostalým.

— Peter Pellegrini (@PellegriniP_) November 13, 2019

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades also reacted on Twitter expressing his “deep condolences to the friendly people of #Slovakia and to the families of all those who died at the tragic #Nitra accident.”

“We wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured ones,” he adds.

“Heartbreaking news from #Slovakia where an accident involving a bus near #Nitra has resulted in numerous fatalities, including children, and many more injured. Sincere #condolences to PM @PellegriniP who cut his official visit to #Cyprus short, the #Slovak gov`t and all affected,” Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a message on Twitter.

A lorry carrying gravel collided with a passenger bus, killing 12 people in western Slovakia, near the city of Nitra.

My deep condolences to the friendly people of #Slovakia and to the families of all those who died at the tragic #Nitra accident. We wish and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured ones.

— Nicos Anastasiades (@AnastasiadesCY) November 13, 2019