Fatal Bus Accident in Châteaudun: Driver Indicted and Placed Under Judicial Supervision

A tragic accident occurred this Thursday in Châteaudun (Eure-et-Loir) when a school bus was involved in a crash that claimed the life of a 15-year-old high school student and injured twenty other students. This Friday, the Chartres prosecutor’s office announced that the bus driver, a 26-year-old man, has been indicted and placed under judicial supervision.

Revealing Test Results

Blood tests conducted on the driver confirmed the presence of cannabis in his system, corroborating an initial saliva test. As a result, he is being prosecuted for aggravated involuntary manslaughter and aggravated involuntary injuries, offenses for which he faces up to seven years in prison.

Despite the Chartres prosecutor’s request for pretrial detention, the investigating judge ruled that judicial supervision was sufficient, while reserving the right to appeal the decision. Under this measure, the accused is prohibited from driving any vehicle and from being present in the Eure-et-Loir department.

A Controversial Defense

During police custody, the driver denied recent drug use, claiming that the presence of cannabis in his blood resulted from passive contamination. He stated that he had not consumed drugs since December and suggested that indirect exposure from his partner, who is a regular user, could explain the positive test result. He further claimed that he occasionally lights her joints, which might have led to the detected traces in his system.

However, the Chartres public prosecutor, Frédéric Chevallier, pointed out that the detected level far exceeded the threshold compatible with passive contamination, making this explanation unlikely.

Stricter Controls on the Horizon

Following this tragedy, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot visited the scene and announced stricter controls on bus drivers, particularly concerning drug testing.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the accident and the responsibilities involved.