What Happened When a Car Hit Pedestrians in France's Manche?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One person dead and three seriously injured in the incident.
- The driver reportedly suffered a medical emergency.
- Authorities have made arrests in connection to the event.
- The incident has raised concerns about public safety.
- The local community is in shock and mourning.
Paris, Sep 7 (NationPress) A vehicle collided with pedestrians in Pirou, located in France’s Manche department, resulting in the death of one individual and leaving three others with serious injuries, as reported by local media.
The public prosecutor in Coutances, Gauthier Poupeau, stated on Saturday that preliminary information suggested the car’s driver experienced a medical emergency, causing the vehicle to travel several metres before impacting a group of individuals.
This tragic event occurred in the town of Evreux within the northern French region of Normandy around 4 a.m. on Saturday, according to Xinhua news agency.
"Regrettably, the consequences are severe," remarked Evreux public prosecutor Remi Coutin.
He emphasized that intentional wrongdoing has been "officially dismissed".
The automobile crashed into the patio of a pizzeria situated in the coastal town.
Firefighters attended to a total of six victims at the scene, comprising four pedestrians and two occupants of the vehicle, as per the Manche prefecture's report to local media.
Authorities have detained two men, including the driver, and a woman, with the prosecutor indicating that further arrests could be forthcoming.
The bouncers were seen escorting patrons away from the bar located in the center of the town, which has approximately 50,000 residents, according to the prosecutor.
"One individual retrieved a vehicle" and "intentionally reversed at high speed into the crowd outside the establishment," Coutin mentioned, describing the incident as having "escalated into a tragic outcome".
Guy Lefrand, the Mayor of Evreux, expressed his "sincere condolences and support for the victims, their families, and loved ones".
He praised the swift actions of law enforcement and emergency responders.
Upon police arrival, they encountered a frantic crowd, with many inebriated individuals, a police source disclosed.
The Mayor, in an interview with broadcaster BFMTV, noted that the bar was supposed to close at 1 a.m.
"This venue has a questionable reputation," Lefrand remarked.
Bus lines 11A/C, 48, and 82 were temporarily rerouted but subsequently returned to their standard routes.
Safety perimeters were established, and the road was reopened just before 4 p.m.
The announcement concluded: "Anyone with pertinent information can reach out to us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101, referencing 1448 of 5/9/25."