While the storm was roaring in the distance, lightning suddenly struck, around 8 p.m. this Thursday evening, at the Gabriel-Péri stadium in Courrières. Football practice was in progress. “ People started running in all directions, there was smoke on the fieldwhispers a witness, with a serious expression. It’s dramatic… »
According to the first information collected from emergency services, confirmed around 9:40 p.m. by the Pas-de-Calais prefecture, a man is deceased, after a long resuscitation attempt by medical teams. He would have been struck by lightning. According to our information, he was 33 years old and a coach at the Courrières club.
Two victims suffering from chest pain were transported, in serious condition, to the Lens hospital center. They are aged 44 and 25.
A medical-psychological emergency cell activated
Four other men, more lightly injured (burns, headaches, etc.), were also treated by firefighters and taken either to CH Lens or to Bois-Bernard hospital. A total of 29 other people were there when the lightning struck : “ They are shocked, but unharmed », Specifies the prefecture in its press release.
Nearly 25 firefighters (five ambulances, a chain of command, doctor, nurses, etc.), four SAMU teams and the police were mobilized on site to take care of the victims. A medico-psychological emergency cell (CUMP) was also triggered in the evening to support the numerous witnesses to the tragedy. The family of the deceased victim was notably present on site.
