Bus Crash in Eastern France Kills Two and Injures 16, Authorities Say

Two dead near Lent

November 6, 2026 · 7:05 a.m. Central / 2:05 p.m. in France

A regional bus carrying students and other passengers left the road in eastern France on Friday morning, killing a minor and a young adult and injuring 16 people, authorities said.

Three of the injured were in serious condition, the Ain prefecture said, according to The Associated Press. The crash occurred near Lent, south of Bourg-en-Bresse. The figures were preliminary and could change.

The bus was an intercity service used by students as well as other travelers. Prosecutors said it carried 43 people, including 15 minors, AFP reported.

The investigation

The bus left the road at about 7:30 a.m. local time, according to the prefecture, as reported by TF1 Info. AFP reported that the driver had been hospitalized and had not yet been interviewed.

Prosecutors opened an investigation into the deaths and injuries. The opening of an investigation does not establish what caused the crash or that anyone was at fault. Authorities have not announced a conclusion about the cause.

Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot visited the scene and expressed condolences, AP reported. Lent Mayor Yves Cristin told French media that investigators would have to determine what happened.

Where it happened

The star marks the approximate center of Lent, not the precise crash site.

★ Approximate Lent town center. Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. Open map.

What is known so far

Times are local to France and approximate.

About 7:30 a.m., November 6 The intercity bus left the road near Lent, according to the prefecture.
Friday morning Authorities reported two deaths and 16 injuries, including three serious injuries.
Friday Prosecutors opened an investigation; the transport minister visited the scene.