A routine morning commute turned into a nightmare in eastern France on Friday when a bus carrying schoolchildren veered off the road and slammed into trees, killing a 7-year-old girl and an 18-year-old young man. Now, investigators say the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
The devastating crash happened around 7:30 a.m. on November 6 near the village of Lent, northeast of Lyon. The regional bus was traveling toward Bourg-en-Bresse with 43 people aboard, including approximately 15 children heading to school, when it crossed into the opposite lane, struck several trees and came to rest in a roadside ditch.
Two young passengers were killed, while at least 16 others were injured. Four people were reported seriously hurt in an updated assessment, with two facing life-threatening injuries. The impact left extensive damage along one side of the bus as emergency crews rushed to rescue survivors.
In a major development Friday evening, prosecutor Karine Malara revealed that the 26-year-old driver told investigators he may have briefly dozed off before the collision. The driver, who suffered leg injuries, was placed in police custody while hospitalized. Preliminary tests found no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his system.
Earlier, Lent Mayor Yves Cristin expressed disbelief over the crash, explaining that although the roadway was slightly wet, visibility was clear and there was no fog. Authorities are now investigating exactly what caused the bus to leave its lane.
The disaster triggered a massive emergency response involving approximately 100 firefighters, dozens of police officers and medical helicopters. Authorities also established a reception center for families and arranged psychological support for those affected.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot visited the scene and described the crash as a tragic accident, while President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to the victims’ families and thanked emergency responders.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible road homicide and aggravated road injuries. Investigators are examining the driver’s account, his working hours and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For two families, what should have been an ordinary Friday morning ended in unimaginable loss, while authorities work to determine whether the tragedy could have been prevented.