Deadly bus accident in France kills two, leaves three critically injured

At least two people including a child were killed and 16 others injured three of them critically, after a bus veered off the road in eastern France on Friday according to local authorities and media reports.

At least two people including a child were killed and 16 others injured three of them critically, after a bus veered off the road in eastern France on Friday according to local authorities and media reports.

The accident occurred in the morning near the commune of Lent in the Ain department. French broadcaster BFMTV reported that the vehicle left the road and ended up in a ditch.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed the deaths in a statement on X expressing condolences to the victims’ families and offering support to those affected by the incident. He said two children had lost their lives while several other passengers sustained injuries.

However the Bourg-en-Bresse prosecutor’s office later identified the deceased as a minor and a young adult.

According to the prosecutor’s office, three injured passengers were taken for emergency medical treatment with life-threatening conditions while 13 others suffered less serious injuries.

A total of 43 people including 15 minors were reportedly travelling on the bus when the accident occurred.

Yves Cristin, mayor of Lent said a school bus was involved in the crash. However, the local prefecture described the vehicle as an intercity bus.

Cristin who arrived at the scene shortly after the accident told BFMTV that passengers and witnesses were visibly shocked by what had happened. He also described extensive damage to one side of the vehicle suggesting that passengers seated in that area may have suffered particularly serious injuries.

A source familiar with the investigation told the broadcaster that the bus had veered off the road before coming to a stop in a roadside ditch.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced on X that he was travelling to the accident site following the incident.

Emergency services including firefighters police and rescue personnel responded to the scene. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.