Three firefighters attacked during road rescue in Lisle-sur-Tarn

While providing first aid to a motorist who had left the road, three firefighters from the Gaillac fire and rescue center were attacked on the evening of Tuesday January 7 by the latter. The suspect, aged around twenty, was taken into police custody.

The scene took place on Tuesday evening between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., in the town of Lisle-sur-Tarn, in a Victim Rescue and Assistance Vehicle (VSAV) in the center of Gaillac. While firefighters were providing first aid to the driver of a utility vehicle after leaving the road, he violently attacked the crew. Results: three firefighters, aged 25 to 38, injured. One in the arch, the other in the ankle (sprain) and the last in the knee. The suspect, aged around twenty, did not want to go to the hospital. He was drunk at the time of the incident and was apparently dazzled during his accident, his vehicle having ended its course against a pole. He was taken into custody by the police.

Complaint filings

The firefighters who were victims of the attack, injured and shocked, were hospitalized. They have now returned home and must see another doctor for additional examinations. “We are never prepared for this and we never will be,” reacted Lieutenant Jean-Paul Diaz, head of the Gaillac fire and rescue center. Through a post published on social networks, the SDIS du Tarn condemned “with the greatest firmness the aggression of which these firefighters were victims in the exercise of their duties, and assures them of all its support”. A complaint was filed by the SDIS “so that the author of these inexcusable acts is prosecuted”. The three victim firefighters also had to file a personal complaint with the Rabastens gendarmerie.

Reaction from Christophe Ramond, president of the Tarn Departmental Council

“Stunned to learn that in Lisle-sur-Tarn, three firefighters were attacked last night by an injured motorist while they were coming to his aid. I condemn these unacceptable acts in the strongest possible terms. It is unbearable to see those who save lives being attacked while carrying out their relief missions. This is intolerable! On behalf of the Department, I would like to express my full support for the firefighters and to strongly condemn such behavior. Together, we must ensure that we protect all those who dedicate themselves to our security.”