Bus in River Seine: Driver Training Incident Sparks Major Rescue Operation
A training driver lost control of a bus, sending it crashing into the River Seine near Paris on Thursday. The bus hit a parked car before plunging into the water, leading to an extensive rescue mission, as reported by multiple news sources.
All four passengers were safely rescued thanks to the swift response of more than 90 emergency personnel, including firefighters and divers, as well as boats and a helicopter.
Authorities are investigating the accident, but initial tests for drugs and alcohol were negative. The incident took place in Juvisy-sur-Orge, located approximately 12 miles south of Paris. Officials stated that the driver was nearing the end of her practical training when the bus missed a turn near the riverbank.
Eyewitnesses described a frantic scene, noting that it seemed like “every firefighter in the department” arrived on the scene. Bystanders initially threw life rings into the river before emergency responders took over.
Pictures from the scene showed the bus partially submerged with rescue crews working tirelessly around it. Later, cranes were employed to recover the bus from the river while helicopters hovered overhead.
Authorities have initiated an internal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
