Violent traffic accident in La Rochelle. Twelve children on bicycles and their two adult companions were hit by a car in the city center of the Charente-Maritime prefecture. According to the latest information communicated by the authorities, seven serious injuries have been reported. Two children were evacuated to the university hospital center (CHU) in Poitiers.
Every evening from 6 p.m.
Receive the information analyzed and deciphered by the Point editorial staff.
THANKS !
Your registration has been taken into account with the email address:
To discover all our other newsletters, go here: MyAccount
By registering, you accept the general conditions of use and our confidentiality policy.
The twelve young cyclists, aged 7 to 11, were going down Avenue Coligny, located in the center of La Rochelle, in single file, when they were hit by a car traveling in the opposite direction. According to France Bleu La Rochelle, the accident occurred at the intersection of rue Jules-Ferry. They were going to Franck-Delmas park, five minutes by bike from the scene of the tragedy, to take part in an orienteering race. The outing was organized by the Bernard Palissy leisure center.
READ ALSO Road safety: the number of deaths on mainland roads increased by 31% in MarchThe report drawn up at midday by the La Rochelle public prosecutor shows seven serious injuries. One victim is in extreme emergency, two in absolute emergency and four in relative emergency. Two children were transported to Poitiers University Hospital, the most affected by helicopter. The departmental operational center (COD) was activated and all security and emergency services were mobilized. No less than seven ambulances and two teams from the Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation Structure (Smur) were dispatched to the site, alongside 32 firefighters.
Still according to France Bleu La Rochelle, only bicycles and yellow vests remained at the scene of the tragedy at midday this Wednesday.
Investigation opened for unintentional injuries
At a press conference, the secretary general of the Charente-Maritime prefecture spoke of “ terrible images.” According to France Bleu La Rochelle, a yellow Twingo was involved in the accident. The prosecution indicated that its driver, an 83-year-old woman, “ is negative for alcohol and narcotics. The cause of the frontal impact (the front of the vehicle is depressed) has not yet been determined.
Initially placed in police custody, the driver was finally released for medical incompatibility. The public prosecutor informed that she is now “ hospitalized” and “ not yet auditionable.”
The interdepartmental direction of the national police (DIPN) of La Rochelle was entrusted with an investigation into unintentional injuries inflicted by a driver. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and looking for possible video surveillance images. According to the town hall of La Rochelle, the children hit “ used to travel by bicycle” and did so “ regularly “.
