After 9 am on Thursday, a school bus was heading towards Plaisance-du-Gers, carrying its precious cargo: 21 students aged 8 to 10, two adult supervisors, and their driver. The plan was to enjoy a movie session as every child dreams of. However, the day took a different turn just a short distance from the tourist site of Carchet City.
In a bend on the RD28, near Aignan, the vehicle suddenly veered off the road and ended up on its side. The exact circumstances of this incident remain unknown at this time. What is certain, however, is that a tragedy was avoided.
Twenty-one children on the pavement, emergency services ready
Upon the arrival of the first responders, a scene both striking and reassuring awaited them: all passengers had already evacuated the bus on their own. Eight children and one adult were nonetheless urgently treated for minor injuries, according to information provided by our colleagues at “La Dépêche du Midi.” The situation continued to evolve over time.
The latest update from the Gers Prefecture at 11:30 am reported five slightly injured children. Sixteen other students and four adults escaped unharmed, a piece of news that surely relieved many parents shaken awake by the incident.
Emergency response plan activated, Gers mobilizes
Alerted at 9:40 by the emergency center, the Auch Hospital did not delay in activating a crisis plan and coordinating additional medical resources in anticipation of an influx of injured individuals. The facility maintained a constant connection with the teams on the ground, the Gers Prefecture, and the Regional Health Agency, exhibiting exemplary coordination in the face of the unknown.
As for the roads, the Gers Departmental Council announced the closure of the RD28 between Aignan and RD3 towards Marciac and Aire-sur-l’Adour. Drivers were advised to take a detour via departmental roads 3 and 48, through Termes-d’Armagnac and Fustérouau, a somewhat inconvenient but necessary route given the tragedy.
Overall Summary: A school bus carrying 21 students from Aignan (Gers) veered off RD28 and overturned on Thursday morning. Five children slightly injured. Emergency plan activated in Auch, road closed, and detour arranged by the Departmental Council.
