Tragic Bus Accident in the Pyrenees Claims Lives and Leaves Several Injured
At least two people have lost their lives, seven others have sustained serious injuries, and one individual is currently missing following a tragic bus accident that occurred on Sunday on a mountain road in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France. According to local authorities, the bus had departed from L'Hospitalet de Llobregat in Barcelona and was transporting a total of 47 passengers at the time of the incident.
Initial reports suggest that the bus struck a ledge alongside the road near the municipality of Porté-Puymorens, a location known for its treacherous mountain routes in the heart of the Pyrenees, close to the border with the Principality of Andorra. The impact caused the bus to overturn, which subsequently led to the closure of national route 320.
The local Prefecture has confirmed that search operations are underway for one of the travelers, although sources from the Ministry of Transport have sadly declared this individual deceased. Most of the passengers aboard the bus were reported to be of Spanish nationality.
In response to the emergency, the Civil Protection of the Generalitat has activated its Procicat plan in a pre-alert phase, aimed at facilitating the medical transfer of the injured to Puigcerdà hospital. Medical personnel from the Catalonia Emergency Medical System (SEM) have been providing immediate assistance at the accident scene.
A combined rescue effort has seen around 120 personnel from France, Spain, and Andorra arrive at the site. Due to the difficult terrain, several helicopters have also been dispatched to aid in the rescue operations and transport the injured.
As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.
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