June 25, 2010 -- The President has expressed his shock and regret following the bus accident on Praslin, which occurred this afternoon at 2.15pm on the Vallée de Mai road.

"The community of Praslin is in deep shock following this sad accident. I join in prayer with the families and friends on Praslin as well as the people of Seychelles for the swift recovery of the injured children, "said President Michel.

The PTC bus with 39 children onboard from Grand Anse Secondary school overturned and went off the road trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle, which had tipped over from another accident.

"Every effort is being made to attend to the immediate needs of the children, and many  have already been flown to Mahé for treatment."  Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Joël Morgan and Minister for Health Erna Athanasius are coordinating the rescue efforts on Praslin.

All 39 children were taken to the Baie Ste Anne Praslin hospital, where 4 children were hospitalised, and 13 were treated and released.

22 children have been flown to Mahé  with their immediate family and taken to Victoria hospital for treatment. 13 are in serious or critical condition.