Bus carrying passengers plunges into France’s River Seine ‘with trainee driver on the wheel’

A bus carrying passengers has plunged into France‘s River Seine following a collision with another vehicle.

A trainee driver was behind the wheel and is said to have made a handling error, according to local media.

There were four people on board, including the instructor and two passengers, when the incident happened at 9.30am local time (8.30am BST).

All rescued, with passers-by rushing to their aid.

A search for a possible fifth passenger is underway. The bus also dragged an empty parked car into the river near the town of Juvisy.

The town’s mayor Lamia Bensarsa Reda said she was ‘stunned’ by the accident.

A bus carrying passengers has plunged into France’s River Seine near the town of Juvisy following a collision with another vehicle

Pictured: A car and a bus can be seen in the water as rescue teams work at the scene

There were four people on board, including the driver’s instructor and two passengers, when the incident happened at 9.30am local time (8.30am BST)

‘It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this. I think I’ve just experienced the worst day of my life. 

‘Luckily, there were no casualties thanks to the quick response of the police and emergency services,’ she said. 

Images show emergency crews including a fire engine, rescue boats and a helicopter at the scene.

Writing on X François Durovray, a former transport minister, said: ‘This Thursday morning, at the Danaux bus station, a training bus fell into the Seine at the Juvisy bridge, following a collision with a light vehicle. 

‘The four people on board the bus were able to be evacuated, thanks to the rapid mobilization of the emergency services and law enforcement, whom I wish to commend. 

‘The search for a possible fifth passenger is underway. The situation presents a risk of pollution to the Seine. 

‘Please kindly avoid the area as much as possible to facilitate the emergency response.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.