Fatal Accident at Saint-Avold Toll Booth: Driver Charged with Manslaughter
On August 13, a tragic incident unfolded at the Saint-Avold toll booth in Moselle, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old Sanef employee. The employee was struck by a Citroën Berlingo that had been stolen earlier that evening. Following the theft, two men from Forbach fled the scene, one in the stolen vehicle and the other in his own car. The stolen vehicle forced its way through the toll barrier, leading to the fatal accident.
The driver, who initially evaded authorities, was later identified and an arrest warrant was issued. Reports indicated that he had fled France the same evening, taking a flight from Brussels to a Maghreb country. However, he returned to France and surrendered to the police on Tuesday morning. The public prosecutor of Sarreguemines, Olivier Glady, confirmed that the driver admitted to driving the vehicle but claimed he was unaware of hitting the employee as he forced his way through the toll booth.
He has now been charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, gang robbery, and several other offenses including endangering lives and driving with a suspended license. He is currently in pre-trial detention. Meanwhile, the co-author of the theft, who was arrested on August 29, faces charges of group theft and is under judicial supervision.
- The incident raises serious concerns about vehicle theft and the consequences of reckless driving. The Sanef employee's tragic death underscores the risks faced by toll booth workers and the need for enhanced security measures at toll facilities. As investigations continue, authorities are likely to examine how to prevent such incidents in the future, including potential legislative changes and improved enforcement of driving regulations.
