A bus carrying 49 passengers, including 15 students, derailed near Lent in the Ain department on Friday, killing a 7-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man. The vehicle, traveling between Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse, left the road and hit a tree in the ditch, causing multiple injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, which has left 16 people wounded, including three in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on November 6 on the D22 departmental road. The bus, operated by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, was found in a severe state of damage on the left side. The driver, who was also injured, has not yet been questioned. Preliminary tests on the driver for alcohol or drugs showed negative results, though further analysis is ongoing.
Emergency services, including 58 rescue units, 50 gendarmes, and four helicopters, have been deployed to the scene. A crisis center has been activated to coordinate the response. The area is currently closed to prevent further incidents, with detours in place. The French government has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and is working to ensure the safety of public transport.