The giant bird which fell on the crowd during the Christmas parade in Trouville (Calvados) on Saturday November 30, belongs to the Nice company Planète Vapeur. Its manager, the famous carnival keeper Pierre Povigna, gives his first testimony.
What is your reaction following this tragedy?
My first thoughts are with the victims. The public came looking for wonder and then there was this terrible drama. I am very moved. Two people are still hospitalized.
The artists, the driver and the manager are very shocked. I took the first plane to get there. The important thing for me is that the injured people recover.
What could have happened?
I guess the rear wheel got caught on a slope. Which would have unbalanced the machine. The entire structure, which weighs 7 tons, then tilted. Nothing came loose from the machine which was in perfect working order.
The driver is experienced. We have worked together for around ten years. He knows the structure perfectly.
Were you heard by the police?
I was heard by the investigators, the driver too. The device was sealed. I of course remain at the disposal of investigators and experts. This is the first time that I have had to deal with an accident involving the public.
We've been playing this show for about ten years. Everything we do is to make people happy. This is a disaster.
