Bus Carrying Schoolchildren Crashes in Eastern France, Several Victims Reported

Several people have been affected after a bus carrying schoolchildren crashed in eastern France, prompting a major emergency response from local authorities.

The accident occurred on Friday morning, November 6, in the area of Lent, south of Bourg-en-Bresse, in the Ain department.

According to local reports, the vehicle was travelling towards Bourg-en-Bresse when it reportedly veered off the road, plunged into a ditch and struck a tree.

The mayor of Lent, Yves Cristin, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) that there were several victims, including reports of numerous injuries. He also said two people had suffered cardiac arrest following the crash.

Authorities have not yet released a complete breakdown of the number of people injured or the severity of their conditions.

France’s Education Minister, Édouard Geffray, confirmed that the incident involved a school bus and expressed concern for the pupils and their families. However, the local prefecture initially described the vehicle as an intercity transport bus, leaving some uncertainty over its official classification.

Emergency services, including firefighters, medical personnel and police officers, were deployed to the scene. Reports also indicated that two helicopters were sent to support the rescue operation.

The prefect of Ain activated the Departmental Operational Centre to coordinate the emergency response and ensure cooperation among the agencies involved.

Authorities urged residents and motorists to avoid the affected area as rescue operations continued. The Departmental Road 22 was also closed, with diversions introduced to facilitate emergency access and secure the scene.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot and the prefect were expected to visit the crash site as authorities worked to establish the full extent of the incident.

The cause of the crash has not been established, and further details are expected as emergency operations and investigations continue.