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Car crash in Argentina kills 3 relatives of Pope Francis

BUENOS AIRES — Three relatives of Pope Francis died and a fourth was in critical condition today (Aug 19) after a car crash on a provincial highway in Argentina, the Vatican and a local police official said.

Firefighters inspect the car of Emanuel Bergoglio, nephew to Pope Francis, which crashed with a truck in Argentina, Aug 19, 2014.  Photo: AP

Firefighters inspect the car of Emanuel Bergoglio, nephew to Pope Francis, which crashed with a truck in Argentina, Aug 19, 2014. Photo: AP

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BUENOS AIRES — Three relatives of Pope Francis died and a fourth was in critical condition today (Aug 19) after a car crash on a provincial highway in Argentina, the Vatican and a local police official said.

The small car carrying a nephew of the pope along with the man’s wife and two young children slammed into the back of a truck, said Highway Police Superintendent Jorge Raineri. The wife and children, one 2 years old and the other 8 months, were killed.

Mr Emanuel Bergoglio, the 38-year-old son of a brother of Pope Francis, was hospitalised. He suffered extensive injuries and his condition was not considered stable, said Mr Ignacio Bruno, an assistant director of the hospital in the town of Villa Maria, to Todo Noticias television.

The man’s 36-year-old wife, Valeria Carmona, and two children, Jose and Antonio, had already died by the time they arrived at the hospital, Mr Bruno said.

The accident occurred between the cities of Rosario and Cordoba, apparently as the family was returning to Buenos Aires following a holiday weekend. The driver of the truck was not injured.

Vatican spokesman Rev Federico Lombardi said “the pope was informed about the tragic accident. He is deeply pained”. He added the pope asks “all who share in his grief to unite with him in prayer.” AP

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