By Islam El-Sakka
A bus carrying schoolchildren veered off a road in eastern France on Friday morning, striking trees and landing in a ditch, killing a 7-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy and injuring 16 people, three seriously.
Crash details
The accident occurred in a rural area northeast of Lyon in the Ain department. The bus, operated by the regional authority, was transporting about 15 students along with other passengers to middle and high schools in the area.
Official responses
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot visited the scene and described the crash as a “tragic accident,” offering condolences to the victims’ families. Education Minister Édouard Geffray also expressed sympathy during a visit to a high school in the Paris region.
Investigation underway
Lent Mayor Yves Cristin told Franceinfo that the road was slightly wet but there was no fog, and the cause of the bus leaving the road remains unclear. Authorities are investigating the circumstances.
