Urbex, which takes its name from the contraction of the English words “urban exploration”, consists of exploring abandoned sites. An activity generally carried out illegally.
In Unieux, in the Loire, a 15-year-old girl was killed on Saturday April 27 by falling through the roof of an abandoned factory. Another, aged 17, was seriously injured in the fall. They were part of a group of four young people practicing urbex.
This practice, which takes its name from the contraction of the English words urban explorationconsists of “exploring abandoned sites, generally illegally, because these sites, even if they are abandoned or little used, always have an owner”, explains Aude Le Galou, doctor in geography and practitioner of ‘urbex, on BFMTV.
“It is a dangerous practice because abandoned sites mean that they are no longer maintained. Materials degrade and structures intended to support the weight of a human being, such as stairs or floors, can no longer able to,” specifies the specialist.
“To highlight”
Born in the 1980s, this practice has become increasingly popular in recent years, notably thanks to social networks where “urbexers”, young and old alike, publish videos of their exploits.
Aude Le Galou notes “an evolution” in this activity. Its followers are now “putting themselves in the spotlight”, adding that “it is no longer so much the place that is interesting as the way in which it allows you to showcase yourself”.
Before emphasizing: “When you visit an abandoned place you can more easily present yourself as an adventurer or an explorer.”
Rules to respect
Several safety rules exist and must be respected to avoid putting yourself in danger, explains the doctor of geography. In particular, you should try never to explore a place alone, so that someone can raise the alarm in the event of a problem, and always tell loved ones where you are.
Aude Le Galou also points out the importance of equipping yourself accordingly, that is to say, taking good, closed shoes that do not slip, and thick clothing so as not to hurt yourself. “As these are degraded spaces, it is necessary to be attentive at all times to the environment in which we find ourselves,” she concludes.
This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. Last week, a 17-year-old high school student, who was practicing urbex apparently alone, killed himself in Lyon by falling from the dome of the Hôtel-Dieu, from where he wanted to photograph the sunrise. In 2019, still in Lyon, a 21-year-old man who was walking on the city’s rooftops died after falling 20 meters.
Clement Boutin Journalist BFMTV
