On March 19, 2025, an alarming accident occurred on the A13 highway in the Yvelines region of France involving four buses transporting military students from the Republican Guard. The collision led to a total of 36 reported injuries, including one serious case, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be an educational trip for the military students.
The buses, each carrying around 50 military students from the army, navy, air force, and gendarmerie, were returning from a visit to the Evreux air base as part of an Inter-army Seminar. The incident happened around 6:40 PM near Guerville, and the series of events that led to the collision remain unclear. Initial reports had indicated that just three buses were involved, but this figure was later corrected to four.
"The circumstances of this accident – a collision between the buses – are not known at this stage," authorities confirmed. The Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, provided updates on the situation, stating, "The driver of one of these buses, a soldier, as well as two student officer gendarmes have been taken care of at the Percy military hospital. Their vital prognosis is not engaged." This reassured families concerned about the well-being of those injured.
As the news unfolded, emergency services responded rapidly to the scene, activating the NOVI plan, which is a contingency measure designed for incidents with multiple victims. This included support from the local fire brigade and medical services that ensured all injured personnel were attended to promptly and transported to nearby hospitals.
Of the injured, approximately 35 were described as having minor injuries, while one individual remained in serious but stable condition. Local authorities worked diligently to establish a clear narrative surrounding the accident, which involved military personnel typically noted for their discipline and training.
Eyewitness accounts and social media updates were actively monitored throughout the night, as confusion over the details of the accident spread. Fire services even appealed to motorists to steer clear of the area to allow for emergency access and investigation.
The serious nature of the injuries highlighted the potential risks associated with transporting large groups of military students. While such educational excursions are commonplace, the accident raised pressing questions about safety protocols during transit and the overall well-being of students who are in training for military service.
As the Yvelines prefecture confirmed further details, it remained clear that the priority for emergency services was the swift recovery and treatment of all affected. Statements from the military indicated that comprehensive support would be made available to the injured and their families during this time of distress.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can accompany routine military operations. In light of the incident, discussions will likely emerge regarding how to improve safety measures in similar contexts, ensuring that such accidents are prevented in the future.
As the investigation into the accident continues, both military and civil authorities will seek answers about the precise causes and potential lapses in safety that led to the four-bus collision on the A13. With a collective commitment to ensure the welfare of military personnel, further assessments on transportation operations are expected in the coming days.
For now, thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and a rapid resolution to this investigation is hoped for by both the public and the military community alike. The ramifications of this accident may be felt for some time, particularly in how the military structures its logistics and student transport in the future.
