World Media Feed Editorial Team
Two people were killed and 16 others injured Friday morning when a bus carrying schoolchildren crashed near the town of Lent in eastern France, authorities said.
The victims included a 7-year-old girl and an 18-year-old boy, according to French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. Three of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
The crash happened at about 7 a.m. local time in the Ain department, northeast of Lyon and near the Swiss border.
Bus left the road
Authorities said the vehicle left the roadway and ended up in a ditch. Photographs from the scene showed a damaged bus surrounded by emergency responders.
There were differing early descriptions of the vehicle. The local prefecture described it as an intercity bus, while the mayor of Lent said it was a school bus. Prosecutors later said the bus was carrying 43 passengers, including 15 minors, who were traveling between Lyon and Bourg-en-Bresse.
The cause of the crash had not been established.
Lent Mayor Yves Cristin said the road was slightly wet but there was no fog and that authorities were trying to understand why the bus left its lane. Emergency crews, police and helicopters were deployed to the scene.
Investigation underway
The local prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. The driver was hospitalized and had not yet been questioned, according to reports.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot travelled to the scene, while Education Minister Édouard Geffray expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
The local community hall was opened to provide assistance and shelter for people affected by the crash.
French authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation continues.
World Media Feed will update this story as more confirmed details become available.
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