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A trainee driver dramatically plunged a bus into the River Seine near Paris on Thursday after colliding with a stationary vehicle and losing control, sparking a large-scale rescue effort, according to reports from BBC and Reuters.
All four occupants of the bus were successfully rescued, thanks to the efforts of over 90 firefighters, divers, and emergency personnel, who were swiftly on the scene with the assistance of boats and a helicopter, officials confirmed.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, though initial drug and alcohol screenings for the driver have returned negative results.
The accident occurred in Juvisy-sur-Orge, approximately 12 miles south of Paris, as the driver was nearing the completion of her practical training, transport authorities relayed to the BBC.
The incident happened in France’s Juvisy-sur-Orge, about 12 miles south of Paris, as the driver was nearing the end of her practical training, transport officials told the BBC.
Authorities said the bus missed a turn near the riverbank, instead continuing straight and dragging a parked car into the water before plunging into the Seine, Reuters reported.
Dramatic images show the bus partially submerged as rescue crews surrounded it with some individuals on top of the vehicle while others worked in the water below.
Workers recover a bus that plunged into the River Seine in Juvisy-sur-Orge Thursday, near Paris, France. (Abdul Saboor/Reuters)
Witnesses described a chaotic response, with one saying it felt like “every firefighter in the department” had arrived as bystanders initially threw life rings into the river before first responders took over.
French emergency services and firefighters respond after a bus with passengers fell into the River Seine in Juvisy-sur-Orge, near Paris, France. (Abdul Saboor/Reuters)
Officials later launched an internal investigation into what caused the crash.
Video released later showed crews using cranes to pull the submerged bus from the river as helicopters circled overhead.