Bus accident in Puisseguin: justice reopens the investigation

Just before getting on a tram leaving the court, Michel Vigier takes the time to slip on the phone: “It’s still a relief. The president of the group of victims of the Puisseguin bus accident, which killed 43 people in 2015 in Gironde, has just learned, Thursday, March 2, news that moved him to tears. The Bordeaux Court of Appeal has decided to reopen the investigation into this tragedy. “It is extremely satisfying, we have finally been heard,” adds Me Antoine Chambolle, one of the lawyers for the civil parties in this case.

A dismissal pronounced in 2021

The disaster deeply marked the Girondin villages where the victims came from. On October 23, 2015, a bus transporting members of a senior citizens’ club on an excursion collided with a semi-trailer which swerved into a tight bend on a small road. Both vehicles quickly burst into flames. A deadly trap. 41 passengers are killed by the flames and smoke. Only eight survived. The truck driver and his 3-year-old child, who was accompanying him, also perished.

This is the most serious accident of its kind in France since the 53 deaths in Beaune (Côte-d’Or) in 1982. In the bereaved municipalities of rural localities, the emotion is immense. Added to the pain is the incomprehension linked to the conclusion of the investigation. On October 14, 2021, an investigating judge from Libourne (Gironde) dismissed the case. No leaders, no trial and the bitter feeling, on the spot, that 43 people died for nothing. The prosecution then appealed, as did the family lawyers. Their arguments have been heard.

“The civil parties have the impression that the investigation is really beginning”

New investigating magistrates have been appointed in Bordeaux and the investigations will resume. “We are not starting from scratch, but the civil parties have the impression that the investigation is really beginning”, comments Me Marie Mescam, another lawyer in this case which concerns 524 victims, direct or indirect. “Many were in tears when reading the judgment of the Court of Appeal, she continues. Until now, this case had been treated as a simple road accident. It is now considered an extraordinary collective accident. »

“Prevent this from happening again”

Investigations will be carried out on the additional tank installed in the truck, which was pierced at the time of the collision, maintaining the blaze. Additional information was requested on this subject, tending to the indictment of two companies and two people for having set up this equipment. A second part of the investigation targets the Mercedes brand car. Officials of the German automotive group should be heard as assisted witnesses, which had never been done.

This approach was demanded from the beginning by the victims. “The bus was in good condition, but we are wondering about its design, continues Me Mescam. We want answers on its resistance to fire and shock. We want to know why its tank was not protected and why extremely flammable materials were used on board. It’s not just for the victims of Puisseguin. This is to prevent this from happening again. »

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