Three people have died and 38 others are injured after a coach carrying tourists crashed into a cliff face near a ski resort in southern France. The bus, which had a total of 47 people on board including the driver, reportedly ran into a cliff due to a problem with its brakes. Images from the scene showed the bus pressed against the cliff, with its right side crushed and its windshield knocked out. The rescue effort involved over 120 individuals, including helicopters from neighbouring Catalonia in Spain and Andorra. The bus originated from L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, outside Barcelona.
According to a witness named Laurent, an off-duty firefighter, the driver of the bus had been zigzagging for a kilometer and a half before crashing into the cliff. The Mayor of Porté-Puymorens described the incident as a tragedy and expressed caution regarding the human toll, which could rise overnight. He mentioned that the road where the accident occurred was not known for being particularly accident-prone. A ‘psychological unit’ was set up in the town’s holiday center to assist survivors and their families. All passengers on the bus had spent the day Christmas shopping in Andorra before the crash.
Local emergency services reported that five helicopters were involved in rescuing victims from the crash, with three fatalities and eight others in intensive care. The injured four-year-old child was among those in intensive care. The coach was on its way back to Barcelona after a day trip to Andorra and was the only vehicle involved in the accident. The authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the crash. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the news team via email.
This tragic bus crash in France has left three people dead and numerous others injured, leading to a large-scale rescue effort involving helicopters and emergency personnel. The bus, carrying tourists back from a shopping trip in Andorra, crashed into a cliff face near a ski resort in southern France. Witnesses described the driver’s erratic behavior leading up to the crash, while local authorities are still investigating the exact cause. The mayor of the town expressed condolences for the victims and their families, noting the unusual nature of such accidents on the road in question.
The impact of the crash left the bus partially crushed against the cliff, with several passengers sustaining serious injuries. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, with additional victims rescued from the scene by helicopters. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the area, as the road where the accident occurred was not known for being accident-prone. Relatives of the victims and survivors have been provided with support through a psychological unit set up in the town. The authorities are working to ensure the safety of other travelers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragic event has prompted an outpouring of support and condolences from the local community and beyond. The response to the crash highlights the importance of coordinated rescue efforts and emergency services in dealing with such incidents. As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, there will likely be a focus on improving safety measures on roadways to prevent similar accidents. The impact of the crash on the survivors and families of the victims is significant, and the provision of mental health support is essential in helping them cope with the aftermath of this tragic event. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in transportation and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to prevent such accidents in the future.
