Tourist crushed to death during gondola ride in Venice

A German tourist was crushed to death and his three-year-old daughter seriously injured during a gondala ride on the famous Grand Canal in Venice on Saturday.

The 50-year-old man was with his wife and three children when the gondola collided with a vaporetto (a water bus).

According to Reuters, a fire brigade spokesman said the tourist was crushed between the two boats near the Rialto Bridge and the little girl was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury.

Italy's Ansa news agency reported that the accident happened around noon when the family were thrown into the water.

An investigation has been launched, the BBC reports.

Venice's mayor said: "I am really sad after what has happened."

Gondolas in Venice were used for transportation for centuries but are now mainly a tourist attraction.

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