A bus crashed into the River Seine near Juvisy, France, after being driven by a trainee driver. All four individuals on board – the driver, her instructor, and two passengers – were safely rescued due to the rapid response of bystanders and emergency services.

Incident Details

The incident occurred around 9:30 am local time (8:30 am BST) in Juvisy-sur-Orge, approximately eight kilometers southeast of Paris. Preliminary investigations indicate a handling error caused the bus to miss a turn while leaving the Juvisy bus station.

This resulted in a collision with a parked car, and both vehicles ended up in the river. Fortunately, the parked car was unoccupied, preventing any injuries to its owner.

Rescue Efforts

Passersby immediately began assisting those in the water. A resident named Natacha heard cries for help and threw a lifebuoy to a woman, pulling her aboard her houseboat with the help of two others.

Natacha described the woman as being “profoundly shocked,” severely cold, and suffering from a hand injury, and fearing for her life. Members of a local rowing club also contributed to the rescue efforts.

Emergency Response

Firefighters, rescue boats, and a helicopter quickly arrived at the scene. Authorities deployed two boats to search for any additional individuals who may have needed assistance.

The focus then shifted to securing the submerged bus and the floating car to facilitate the investigation.

Investigation and Aftermath

Lamia Bensarsa Reda, the mayor of Juvisy-sur-Orge, called the accident unprecedented and the worst day of her tenure. She praised the swift actions of the police and emergency services for preventing fatalities.

The driver possessed a valid D license, but a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and prevent future incidents. The accident has disrupted local transport, and authorities are working to minimize the impact.

Recovery of the bus and car is in progress, and further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.