The driver of a coach carrying schoolchildren home from a ski trip which crashed in northern France killing a teacher has "no recollection" of the accident, prosecutors have revealed.
The driver, named in reports as Derek Thompson, 47, is being investigated for involuntary homicide and involuntary wounding after the bus he was driving flipped over and plunged to the bottom of a motorway embankment in the Champagne-Ardenne region on Sunday.
Teacher Peter Rippington, 59, died and his wife Sharon and daughter Amy were also injured in the crash near Rheims, which involved 29 pupils from Alvechurch Middle School in Alvechurch, Worcestershire.
In a statement released after a court hearing in Chalons-en-Champagne yesterday, prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny said: "In his presentation before a judge late Monday afternoon, the driver explained that he had no recollection of the circumstances of the accident.
"While in custody, after denying falling asleep, the driver acknowledged that it was possible that he was drowsy."
Initial tests had showed Thompson was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and local police were said to be investigating whether he might have fallen asleep at the wheel.
In an earlier statement, de Rocquigny said: "Witnesses who were driving in the area near the coach saw the vehicle repeatedly swerve towards the verge.
"The tachograph indicates some unexplained variations in speed in the nine minutes before the accident," the judge explained.
The 47-year-old has been allowed to return to the UK, with certain conditions attached, the prosecutor said.
Pending his return to France to face any legal proceedings, he must "inform the judge of any travel outside Great Britain", and is also banned from "contact with victims and families of these, except the other driver", and banned from "driving on French territory", he added.
The Foreign Office said most of the 49 British nationals who were on the coach are back in the UK, but seven people remained in hospital in France.
A spokesman said: "Our thoughts remain with everyone involved in or affected by the tragic bus crash in France.
"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to provide consular support to everyone involved and is working closely with French and UK authorities."
Tributes have poured in for Rippington, who was described by Bryan Maybee, chairman of governors of Alvechurch Middle School, as a "dedicated and inspirational teacher".
A statement from the Rippington family said: "“Max Rippington, son of Peter, who was so tragically killed in the horrific coach crash on Sunday, and Sharon Rippington, badly injured in the same incident, is delighted to be reunited with his sister Amy and his Mum, Sharon.
“Sharon who suffered multiple injuries to her face and back is recovering in hospital and is able to talk to family and friends. Amy is also with her in hospital and is being treated for bruising and severely aching muscles. They all, Sharon, Amy, Max and family wanted to express deep thanks to all for the very kind tributes and support being given. It has given them all enormous strength, comfort and pride.
“As previously stated, the family would like to request privacy and time to grieve with their family and friends.”