A bus has plunged into the River Seine near Paris after a training lesson for a trainee driver went horribly wrong. The incident occurred in Juvisy-sur-Orge, a commune south of the French capital, at approximately 9:30 AM local time (8:30 AM GMT). According to the transport authority for the Ile-de-France region, all four individuals on board—the trainee driver, her instructor, and two passengers—were rescued and are now safe and sound.
Bus Floating in the Seine
Later in the morning, the bus could still be seen floating in the Seine, close to the riverbank. Towing teams were dispatched to the scene and successfully removed the vehicle from the water. Photographs from the scene depicted the bus partially submerged, with a dark blue car also floating a few feet away. Divers thoroughly searched the vehicle before confirming that no one was trapped inside.
Collision Before the Plunge
The bus, which was being driven by a trainee at the end of her training, collided with a parked vehicle before falling into the Seine in the Essonne department. The impact sent the bus careening into the river, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Investigation Underway
An investigation is expected to be launched shortly to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities have not yet released further details, but the incident has raised questions about safety protocols during driver training. The quick rescue of all occupants has been praised, though the event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the road.
