A tragic bus crash near a Pyrenees ski resort in southwest France has left three people dead and eight others critically injured, including a young child. The incident occurred late Sunday afternoon on the RN320 road near Porté-Puymorens, close to Andorra.
Accident Details
The Spanish tourist coach, carrying 48 passengers, was returning to Barcelona from a Christmas shopping trip in Andorra when it struck a cliff face and overturned. Emergency responders, including over 100 firefighters, quickly arrived at the scene. Five helicopters were deployed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Among those critically injured is a four-year-old child who was traveling with their parents. Local emergency officials have warned that the death toll may rise overnight due to the severity of the injuries sustained.
Witness Accounts
An off-duty firefighter named Laurent, who was driving behind the bus, told L’Indépendant:
“We were driving behind. The driver had been zigzagging for about a kilometer and a half. It seemed like he was trying to rub the barrier, as if he wanted to lose speed, before crashing into the cliff.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been caused by brake failure on the narrow, winding road. The RN320 is not typically known for accidents of this magnitude, though it does have sharp bends.
Victims and Emergency Response
The victims include Spanish and Colombian nationals. A “psychological unit” has been set up in Porté-Puymorens to assist survivors and their families. François Durovray, France’s Transport Minister, expressed his condolences on X, formerly Twitter:
“My thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those injured. I commend the emergency services, security forces, and local authorities for their swift action.”
Survivors Speak Out
Passengers described the horrifying moments leading up to the crash. One passenger shared footage of emergency vehicles surrounding the bus and said:
“The left turbine engine failed, and the driver tried to control the descent before the bus hit the cliff.”
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities are investigating the incident, focusing on the coach’s mechanical condition and the road’s safety. Jean-Philippe Augé, the Mayor of Porté-Puymorens, said the road is not typically accident-prone but noted its sharp bends.
“This is a tragedy, and the human toll could rise. The RN320 has never been the site of such serious accidents until now,” he said.
A Day That Ended in Tragedy
The passengers had spent the day shopping in El Pas de la Casa, an Andorran ski resort known for its picturesque views and festive markets. Their return journey turned fatal in what has been described as one of the region’s most devastating road accidents in recent memory.
Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation and provide support to the affected families.
