BOGOTA, Colombia — Authorities have confirmed that a tragic bus accident in southern France has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to many others, with a significant number of victims being Colombian nationals. According to a statement released by the Colombian foreign affairs ministry on Monday, around 30 of the bus passengers were Colombian citizens residing in Spain.

On Sunday evening, the bus met with an accident in the French Pyrenees while it was transporting passengers back to Barcelona following a shopping excursion to Andorra. Colombia’s ambassador to France, Alfonso Prada, explained to a local radio station that the passengers were returning home after taking advantage of sales available in Andorra.

The charter bus, carrying a total of 47 individuals, crashed into a cliff near the Porte Puymorens ski resort. Reports from local officials indicate that seven passengers are in critical condition following the incident. In light of the situation, some family members of those affected have reached out to the Colombian consulate in Barcelona for assistance.

Survivors of the crash are currently receiving medical care at four hospitals located in southern France and one hospital situated in Puigcerda, a town in Catalonia. The rescue operations involved over 120 personnel, with contributions from emergency services in both Catalonia and Andorra, and helicopters were also utilized during the rescue efforts.