???????? Gard. Six Food Bank trucks burned, criminal trail considered

Suspected arson: six trucks from the Gard Food Bank destroyed in Nîmes

A fire that occurred on the night of Wednesday 27 to Thursday 28 November in Nîmes ravaged six refrigerated trucks from the Gard Food Bank, causing damage estimated at 500,000 euros. This act, described as malicious by the association, endangers its essential activities with 91 partner associations.

Destruction of trucks and collateral damage

The fire broke out shortly after midnight. Around twenty firefighters intervened to control the flames which also damaged three cars and a heavy goods vehicle parked nearby. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

On its Facebook page, the Gard Food Bank confirmed that its entire fleet of refrigerated vehicles had been destroyed:
“Our refrigerated vehicle fleet was completely destroyed by a fire believed to be malicious. »

An investigation opened for arson

According to Joseph Pronesti, president of the association, video surveillance images from a neighboring establishment revealed that an individual had intentionally set fire to the vehicles. The Nîmes public prosecutor's office confirmed that the criminal trail is favored, as reported by France 3 Occitanie.

An online prize pool to continue the mission

Faced with this dramatic event, the Gard Food Bank launched an online fundraiser to raise funds and resume its activities.
“Our mission to combat food insecurity is seriously compromised. We need everyone's help to overcome this ordeal,” declares the association, which supports 91 local associations and contributes to food aid for thousands of people in difficulty.

Support from local and regional authorities

The fire sparked many reactions of support:

• Nelson Chaudon, RN mayor of Beaucaire, denounced “a terrible tragedy with significant consequences” on his X account (formerly Twitter). He also announced that he would propose to the municipal council to approve an exceptional grant of 5,000 euros for the benefit of the Gard Food Bank.
• Jérôme Bonet, prefect of Gard, expressed his support for the association's volunteers on the same social network: “I give my full support after the fire last night of several association vehicles in #Nîmes. »

A mission threatened but a surge of solidarity hoped for

This fire directly threatens the association's food distribution activities. With damage estimated at 500,000 euros, the Food Bank hopes to be able to count on a surge of solidarity to rebuild its logistical capacities and continue its fight against food insecurity in the department.

Source: BFMTV