A tragic road accident involving a Ukrainian bus occurred in France, claiming the lives of four people and leaving over forty-five injured
This tragic event has become one of the most serious in the region recently and has attracted significant media coverage both locally and internationally. According to preliminary information, the incident took place on June 13 in the Sart department of France. At 11:58 a.m., near the town of Dègre, on the A81 highway, a bus carrying Ukrainian citizens unexpectedly veered off the road and overturned into a ditch. Witnesses report that the vehicle lost control suddenly, leading to a catastrophic fall and damage. Data from the French prefecture indicates that four individuals — adults and children — who were on the bus died as a result of the accident. An additional 11 people sustained serious injuries, including 34 with minor wounds. The victims, among whom were teenagers, are currently hospitalized in local medical facilities where they are receiving medical care. Over 130 rescue workers from the departmental fire and emergency services (SDIS) responded to the scene, deploying 49 specialized fire trucks for evacuation and assistance. The circumstances of the accident are still unclear. Investigators and experts are examining details regarding the cause of the overturn — including road conditions, the technical state of the bus, and potential external factors. The first findings suggest that the incident occurred under challenging conditions, prompting emergency services to close the highway in both directions to ensure a quick and safe response to mitigate consequences and evacuate the affected. According to official statements from French authorities, all necessary resources are being mobilized for the recovery operations. The rescue efforts are being coordinated by Emmanuel Oubre, the prefect of the department, who is personally overseeing the activities of firefighters and police. He urged citizens to be extremely cautious and not to obstruct rescue operations, emphasizing the importance of rapid response for saving lives. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian embassy in France responded promptly to the tragedy, expressing condolences to the victims and their families. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to France, Vadym Omelchenko, along with colleagues, has already gone to the scene to coordinate assistance and gather details about the condition of Ukrainians involved in the accident. In an official statement, the diplomatic mission noted that they are in close contact with local authorities to provide swift and effective support to the Ukrainian victims. This incident is not the first road tragedy affecting Ukrainian citizens abroad. For example, in April this year, a major accident in Austria resulted in the deaths of four Ukrainians. Additionally, at the end of February, 16 Ukrainian passengers were injured in a collision on the Kyiv–Chișinău route. These examples underscore the need for increased caution and safety measures for Ukrainians traveling abroad, especially during long bus trips. The investigation into the France accident is ongoing. Authorities and experts have already begun collecting testimonies and analyzing the circumstances of the crash. All gathered information aims to identify the causes and prevent similar incidents in the future. French authorities have pledged to do their best to uncover the truth and ensure appropriate safety standards for passengers. This tragedy once again highlights the importance of heightened vigilance and thorough oversight of international transportation. It also emphasizes the need for 24/7 professionalism among rescue services and the strengthening of road safety measures. Currently, the situation is under control, and Ukrainian diplomatic and emergency services are doing everything possible to respond swiftly and assist those affected.