The news has gone around the town of Pas-de-Calais. Two children aged 8 and 10 and their mother, from Vimy, died in a violent accident on the A 26 motorway, Saturday November 16, 2024. The two boys were at school in the town, licensed to the football club. A first tribute was paid to them during mass this Sunday.
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Fear has gripped the town of Vimy, between Arras and Lens in Pas-de-Calais. Saturday November 16, 2024, around 2 p.m., a family was decimated. The car of a 42-year-old mother was hit from behind by another vehicle. On board, his two children aged 8 and 10. All three died in the accident.
The accident occurred on the A 26 motorway in the Calais – Reims direction, near the interchange with the A 1 motorway, in the town of Gavrelle. On this two-lane section, the vehicle driven by a 52-year-old man from Malta allegedly collided with the mother's car from behind.
Read also ► Three dead, including two children aged 8 and 10, in an accident on the A26 motorway near Arras
The impact, at high speed, severely damaged the vehicles. Emergency services on site noted the death of the two boys and their mother. The man was transported to Lille hospital in serious condition. His vital prognosis is in jeopardy.
In the town of Vimy where the family resided, emotion is very strong. The football club where one of the boys played posted a tribute relayed by many clubs in neighboring towns.
Residents expressed their sadness in comments: “Absolute horror. Rest in peace. It's a dramatic news story, even more so when it concerns people living in our town that we know. There were always 3 of you, 3 of you left. Nothing more will separate you.” Or again: “Let us have a thought for them, let us send our condolences to the families of these victims“.
Sunday November 17, the day after the tragedy, the mayor of this town of 4,300 inhabitants also expressed his dismay: “It's terrible. It goes beyond emotion, it's a drama“. Christian Sprimont continues: “These children were very involved in the football club, very involved in the school. I saw them during the presentation of the eco-mobility trophies, beaming kids, what can I say…”
The academy inspectorate has been informed so that the children's classmates and friends can be supported in their mourning in the coming days. The school's parents' association calls for contemplation.
The mayor of Vimy confirms the presence of a psychological unit at the children's school from Monday November 18, 2024. “It will be in place from 7:30 a.m., we will also be present to support the teachers…, indicates Christian Sprimont. But also the students and parents of students”.
During mass at Vimy, Sunday November 17, a prayer was said for the deceased children and mother.
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© F. Giltay / FTV
In addition, psychological support was also requested for the rescuers who intervened during the accident.
An investigation to determine the causes of the accident was opened by the Arras public prosecutor's office for manslaughter. It was entrusted to the Arras motorway platoon.
In the town of Vimy, to get through this tragedy, solidarity is being organized. A white march could be organized, the time of mourning has only just begun.
