Dendias in contact with Romanian authorities over Greek bus accident

Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias has contacted Greek Ambassador to Romania Sophia Grammata, after a bus accident involving Greek tourists in Bucharest on Friday, requesting that the embassy help out.

According to a statement by the Greek Foreign ministry, Dendias requested that embassy staff remain by the side of those injured and their relatives for as long as necessary.

"In addition, the Foreign minister spoke with relatives of the injured, conveying his wishes for a speedy recovery and his assurance that the Greek embassy will assist them in every possible way," the statement said, adding that Dendias "reiterated his great sadness for the loss of a Greek citizen's life."

The ministry also said that the FM spoke with his Romanian counterpart Bogdan Aurescu to "thank him for the speedy response of Romanian authorities and the excellent collaboration they have with the Greek embassy in Bucharest in managing this difficult situation."

The bus had left Volos for Bucharest on Thursday afternoon, with 48 Greek passengers including the driver. The accident occurred midday on Friday when the bus went through a low barrier that sheared its top half, according to media reports.