Emergency services remained at the scene after a coach carrying about 60 to 70 French tourists overturned off the C-32 near Santa Susanna, Spain. Authorities closed the southbound carriageway to facilitate the response and kept only one lane open toward Barcelona, and traffic backed up about 1.5 km from Palafolls, according to 20 Minutos.
The crash occurred shortly after noon at kilometer point 127.7; the alert was received at 12:22 PM. Initial reports indicated the coach left the roadway for reasons under investigation and went down an embankment, coming to rest on a wooden slope that reduced the impact, according to traffic authorities. “The trees and bushes have, as it were, caught the bus. Otherwise, the consequences could have been much heavier,” said Fire Chief Pep Colàs. He added that occupants had already exited by the time firefighters arrived.
The Medical Emergency System (SEM) treated 53 people at the scene. Two were in serious condition and were transferred to Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, and one with a less serious condition went to Mataró Hospital. The rest had minor injuries, and most got out without assistance. SEM dispatched five ambulances, and 14 firefighter units worked at the site to access the vehicle, assist passengers, and verify that no one was trapped.
Most passengers climbed the embankment after exiting. The operating company sent another coach for the uninjured. Authorities set up reception and support points at the Can Xaubet sports hall in Pineda de Mar and at the Polideportivo La Pineda, where SEM provided medical and psychological care. “All those at Can Xaubet are in good health conditions and, when the health services indicate it, they will be able to continue their trips or return to their place of origin,” said Sílvia Biosca, the mayor of Pineda, according to Diari de Girona. “There are all kinds of people, groups of young people and also families who were returning from vacation or going to spend the day in Barcelona, even with some child,” added Biosca, who noted that some were trying to recover their belongings.
Passengers said the driver had felt unwell. “We were on the highway and the bus went into the forest downwards,” said Mar, a 19-year-old from Oviedo. “Someone broke the rear window and we were able to get out on foot,” she added. “I flew out and hit my back against the suitcases and the luggage rack... It hurts a lot, but they told me it’s muscular,” said another passenger.
Some travelers left after a short time, with Civil Protection accompanying several to Calella station to catch a train to Barcelona, while others waited for onward transport at the Pineda de Mar sports facility.
The mayor of Santa Susanna, Joan Campolier, said he did not know the cause. “This accident could have had very serious consequences, but it has not been the case,” said Colàs. “The outcome could have been worse,” said Campolier.
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