A serious accident in Marseille left a group of schoolchildren and accompanying adults injured after a delivery van rolled backward down a sloped street. The vehicle struck students who were returning from a school trip, resulting in injuries to 11 people. Authorities reported that 9 of those hurt were children.
Initial findings indicated that the driver had parked on an incline to deliver goods when the handbrake apparently failed. Investigators said the van then slid downhill and collided with about 20 students and 3 adults who were walking along the road. Emergency crews treated multiple victims at the scene before transporting them to hospital.
Light injuries were recorded for 4 girls and 4 boys aged between 8 and 11, while 2 women aged 27 and 40 were also among those hurt. A more serious case involved an 8 year old boy who is believed to have suffered one or more fractures, according to information broadcast by TF1. Medical teams continue to monitor his condition closely.
The driver of the van underwent alcohol and toxicology testing following the incident as part of routine protocol. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into multiple injuries caused through negligence, and further examinations will determine the exact circumstances that led to the handbrake failure.
