Tributes have been paid to a coach driver from the North East who died in a crash in the French Alps. The Classic Coaches vehicle was carrying ski resort staff back to the UK from Alpe d'Huez, with Newcastle being its final destination.
The owners of a North East coach company said a driver alerted passengers before his vehicle crashed in France last night - which may have saved lives. The driver himself, who was from the North East, was killed.
TGM, which owns Classic Coaches, said the driver tried to take evasive action and paid tribute to his efforts.
The company also paid tribute to a second driver from the North East, who was uninjured, for helping passengers to leave the vehicle.
It added: “It is too early to say what caused the accident, however, we have launched a full investigation and are working closely with the local authorities. Our own safety specialist is attending the scene to support the investigation.”
"I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing. "
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