Ministers React to Bus Crash in Lent That Left Several Victims

A school bus left the road and hit a tree in the ditch on Friday morning in Lent, a commune in the Ain department of eastern France. The crash, which occurred around 34 miles from the Swiss border and near Lyon, left several victims according to local authorities and government officials.

Emergency Services Deploy to Lent Crash Site

Emergency services rushed to the scene following the morning incident, deploying two helicopters alongside firefighters, rescue personnel, and police. The prefect for the Ain department activated the departmental operations centre, known as the COD, to coordinate crisis agencies responding to the collision. Local mayors also arrived to assist with rescue operations, while authorities urged the public to stay away from the area so crews could work unhindered. Traffic diversions were set up on surrounding roads.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced he was on his way to the site to inspect the operations firsthand.

Ministers and Local Officials Respond to the Accident

Education Minister Édouard Geffray confirmed the vehicle involved was carrying students, telling reporters that his thoughts were with students involved in the accident.

always difficult when our children are victims of accidents of this nature

Édouard Geffray, Education Minister, via BBC

Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the exact classification of the vehicle and the nature of the casualties. While Education Minister Edouard Geffray stated the vehicle was a school bus, the area prefect noted that an intercity bus was involved, according to reporting by Reuters. Meanwhile, Lent Mayor Yves Cristin told French media that two people suffered cardiac arrest and multiple others sustained injuries.

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