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 today to be received by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and House of Representatives President Demetris Syllouris in the context of his official visit in the island.

In a message on Twitter, yesterday, Pellegrini said 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.

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.