A bus plunged into the River Seine after a trainee driver reportedly lost control, sparking a frantic rescue operation as passengers were pulled from the water.Emergency crews rushed to the scene in Juvisy-sur-Orge on Wednesday morning after the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into the river at around 9.30 am local time.
The driver ‘lost control’ before the crash.
The bus, carrying four people, including the trainee driver, an instructor, and two passengers, had just left a nearby station when the driver allegedly made a handling error.According to local officials, the vehicle struck a parked car before breaking through the barrier and plunging into the river. The impact also sent the parked vehicle tumbling into the water.Authorities said they do not believe anyone was inside the car at the time.
Passengers rescued as bus sinks
Specialist divers and emergency responders were seen jumping into the river and climbing onto the partially submerged bus as they worked to rescue those onboard.All four occupants were safely pulled from the vehicle as it began to sink.Divers later searched the bus and confirmed that no one was trapped inside.
Mayor ‘stunned’ by rare incident
Lamia Bensarsa Reda was quoted as saying by The Sun that she was “stunned” by the incident.She explained that the bus “was leaving the bus station when the driver lost control and hit a parked car,” adding that it was the first time she had witnessed such an incident.Reda added that, despite the severity of the crash, there were no casualties thanks to the rapid response of emergency services.
Emergency response and disruption
Police, firefighters, and rescue teams remained at the scene, with a helicopter seen circling overhead and boats deployed in the water to ensure no additional victims were involved.One source said two boats were patrolling the river as a precaution.The crash occurred on the Draveil bridge, causing significant disruption to local transport as authorities worked to secure the area.
Investigation underway
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances behind the crash.Officials are expected to examine the role of the trainee driver and the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
