The trial concerning the collapse of the Mirepoix-sur-Tarn bridge, initially scheduled for September 17, has been postponed to November 26, 2024. This tragedy, which occurred in 2019, caused the death of two people. It is the driver’s company that will be judged.
We will have to wait a little longer. The trial concerning the collapse of the Mirepoix-sur-Tarn bridge is postponed for more than two months, to Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 9 a.m.It was initially scheduled for this Tuesday, September 17 at 2 p.m.
As soon as the session opened, the President of the Court announced the postponement of the hearing. He believes that it “could not be held in a few hours, between two cases”, as reported by France 3. The aim of this decision is to be able to give more time to debatesThis new date will also allow the expert appointed during the investigation to be present in order to answer questions.
Fatal crossing attempt on the Mirepoix bridge
On November 18, 2019, it was around eight o’clock when a convoy of more than 51 tons, led by the manager of a construction company, set off on the suspension bridge of Mirepoix-sur-Tarn. This attempt to cross was fatal. The metal structure, whose weight is limited to 19 tonnes, collapses with the weight of the truck.
The man, Damien, aged 38, who knew the place very well, died. He took a Renault Clio with him in his fall, with its two passengers. On board was a mother, who managed to swim back to shore. But also her daughter, Lisa, 15, also died in the collapse from the Mirepoix-sur-Tarn bridge.
A trial that is essentially symbolic for the families
The trial of the collapse of the Mirepoix-sur-Tarn bridge is essentially symbolic. The truck driver, the only person presumed responsible for this tragedy, will obviously not be present. So it is the company that will be judgedin its capacity as a legal entity. Already placed in liquidation, it will answer to the following charge: involuntary manslaughter for deliberate failure to comply with a particular obligation of prudence and safety.
The verdict will allow the victims’ families to grieve. A conviction will also engage the liability of the company’s insurance, and will trigger the compensation process.
