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French coach crash kills pilgrims French coach crash kills pilgrims
(about 3 hours later)
At least 26 people have died in a coach crash near the south-eastern city of Grenoble in the French Alps.At least 26 people have died in a coach crash near the south-eastern city of Grenoble in the French Alps.
The coach, carrying Roman Catholic pilgrims from Poland, fell into a ravine while descending a steep incline between Grenoble and Gap.The coach, carrying Roman Catholic pilgrims from Poland, fell into a ravine while descending a steep incline between Grenoble and Gap.
It broke through the safety barrier, fell 15m (50 ft) onto the banks of a stream, and burst into flames. About 20 passengers were also injured.It broke through the safety barrier, fell 15m (50 ft) onto the banks of a stream, and burst into flames. About 20 passengers were also injured.
The coach was returning from the shrine of Notre-dame-de-la-Salette.The coach was returning from the shrine of Notre-dame-de-la-Salette.
The coach, which came from Poland and was on its way back, was carrying 49 passengers and two drivers.The coach, which came from Poland and was on its way back, was carrying 49 passengers and two drivers.
DangerousDangerous
Skid marks on a long stretch of tarmac suggest that the brakes failed.Skid marks on a long stretch of tarmac suggest that the brakes failed.
Local people brought buckets of water to put out a fire on the bus before emergency services arrived in force. class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6910856.stm">Pictures of crash scene Local people brought buckets of water to put out a fire on the bus before emergency services arrived in force.
The injured were shuttled to hospital by ambulance and helicopter.The injured were shuttled to hospital by ambulance and helicopter.
A number of people are reported to be missing. Passengers may have been thrown out of the bus and into the river, firefighters said.A number of people are reported to be missing. Passengers may have been thrown out of the bus and into the river, firefighters said.
Hugh Schofield in Paris says the busy mountain road is known to be dangerous and there have been several accidents there in the past.Hugh Schofield in Paris says the busy mountain road is known to be dangerous and there have been several accidents there in the past.
Investigators will want to know if the Polish coach was in a proper state and if it was fitted with the electronic braking system compulsory for excursions into the mountains, our correspondent adds.Investigators will want to know if the Polish coach was in a proper state and if it was fitted with the electronic braking system compulsory for excursions into the mountains, our correspondent adds.
The shrine at Notre-dame-de-la-Salette is where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to two children in 1846.The shrine at Notre-dame-de-la-Salette is where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to two children in 1846.

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