A France bus crash near Lent in the Ain department killed two young people and injured 16 others on Friday morning, including three people reported to be in critical condition.
The regional coach was carrying 43 people, including 15 minors travelling to school, when it left the D22 roadway and struck a tree before coming to rest in a ditch near Bourg-en-Bresse.
The crash occurred at about 7:30 a.m. local time on November 6, 2026, according to information released by local authorities.
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What happened in the France bus crash
The vehicle was operating on an intercity route from Lyon toward Bourg-en-Bresse when it left the road in the municipality of Lent.
One person who died was a minor, while the second victim was described as a young adult who had only recently reached adulthood.
The injured included three people in serious condition and 13 others with less severe injuries, according to the provisional assessment reported by authorities.
The bus driver was also taken to hospital and had not yet been interviewed by investigators at the time of the initial update.
The exact reason the coach left the road had not been established.
Emergency response and investigation
Firefighters, medical teams and other emergency personnel were sent to the crash site, while two helicopters were mobilized to help with the response.
Access to the area was restricted as responders worked at the scene, and motorists were advised to avoid the roadway.
The prefecture activated the departmental operations centre to coordinate emergency services and the wider response.
The municipality of Lent also activated its local emergency plan, while arrangements were made to receive families and support those affected by the crash.
The public prosecutor opened an investigation on a road-homicide allegation and assigned the case to gendarmes.
Investigators are expected to examine the vehicle, roadway, weather and driving conditions, but officials had not released a cause by Friday morning.
Officials visit the crash site
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot travelled to the scene as emergency operations continued.
Regional and local officials, including the prefect of Ain and the president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, were also expected to attend or coordinate the response.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray expressed concern for the students involved in the collision as authorities worked to confirm the condition of the passengers.
The early reports used different descriptions for the vehicle, including a school bus and an intercity coach, because it was a regular regional service carrying school-aged passengers among other travellers.
What happens next
The passenger count and injury assessment may be revised as hospitals complete examinations and investigators confirm the identities of those involved.
The driver’s medical condition and testimony could become important to the investigation, although no conclusion about responsibility has been announced.
Authorities are also expected to preserve the crash scene and inspect the coach as part of the effort to determine why it left the D22.
Families of the passengers are being supported locally while the investigation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the France bus crash happen?
The crash happened on the D22 in Lent, in France’s Ain department, near Bourg-en-Bresse.
How many people died in the crash?
Two people died, including one minor and one young adult.
How many people were injured?
Sixteen people were injured, including three reported to be in serious or critical condition.
Were students on the bus?
Yes. The regional coach was carrying 15 minors travelling to school, along with other passengers.
What caused the bus to crash?
The cause had not been established. French authorities opened an investigation after the coach left the road and struck a tree.
Fact-Checked: Key casualty, location, timing and investigation details were checked against official-authority information and corroborated current reports. ([information.tv5monde.com](https://information.tv5monde.com/societe/grave-accident-de-car-pres-de-bourg-en-bresse-deux-morts-16-blesses-2844737?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The casualty figures and medical assessments remain provisional and may change as authorities complete their investigation.