Clery Saint Andre Accident: Ten Injured, Two Critical, After a Car Crashes Into a Wedding Procession in France

Clery Saint Andre Accident:- On Saturday, June 10, 2023, a tragic accident occurred in Cléry-Saint-André, a small town in the Loiret department of France, near Orléans. A car driven by a man who lost control of his vehicle hit a crowd of people who were attending a wedding ceremony at the town hall. The incident left several people injured, some of them seriously.

What Happened in Clery Saint Andre Accident?

According to witnesses and authorities, the accident happened around 2 p.m., in the Rue du Maréchal-Foch, where the town hall is located. A car driven by a man in his forties was traveling at high speed when he saw a wedding procession entering the town hall. The driver reportedly had a moment of distraction and failed to brake or steer away from the crowd. He crashed into the protective barriers of the town hall and then hit several people who were at the end of the procession.

The impact was violent and caused panic among the wedding guests and bystanders. Some people tried to help the victims, while others called for help. The driver was arrested by the police and taken into custody. He was not intoxicated, according to preliminary tests.

How Many Victims in Clery Saint Andre Accident?

The accident resulted in ten victims, including two in critical condition and eight in relative urgency. They were all transported to different hospitals in Orléans and Tours by ambulance or helicopter. Among them were four children aged between 4 and 12 years old.

The victims suffered from various injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, internal bleeding, and shock. Some of them had to undergo surgery or intensive care. The prognosis for some of them was still uncertain as of Sunday morning.

The wedding couple and their families were also deeply affected by the tragedy. They were taken care of by a psychological support team in a nearby community center. They expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the injured and their relatives.

What Are the Causes?

The investigation into the accident is still ongoing, but some elements have already been revealed by the authorities. The driver of the car was not known to have any medical or psychological problems that could explain his loss of control. He had a valid driver’s license and his car was in good condition.

However, he may have been distracted by something or someone on the road or inside his vehicle. He may also have been under stress or fatigue, or have misjudged the speed or distance of the wedding procession. He may also have panicked or overreacted when he realized he was heading towards the crowd.

The authorities are also looking into possible technical or environmental factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as road conditions, weather, visibility, signage, or traffic.

What Are the Consequences?

The accident has shocked and saddened the whole community of Cléry-Saint-André, as well as many people across France and beyond. The town mayor, Jean-Pierre Martin, declared a state of emergency and offered his condolences and support to the victims and their families. He also thanked the emergency services and volunteers who intervened quickly and efficiently.

The town hall has set up a crisis cell and a hotline for anyone who needs information or assistance related to the accident. A book of condolences has been opened at the town hall for anyone who wants to express their sympathy or solidarity.

A tribute ceremony will be organized on Monday at 11 a.m., in front of the town hall, with a minute of silence and a speech by the mayor. A mass will also be celebrated at 3 p.m., at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Cléry-Saint-André, where many people are expected to attend.

The accident has also raised questions and concerns about road safety and prevention measures. Some experts and associations have called for more awareness campaigns and stricter regulations on speed limits, driving behavior, and vehicle maintenance.

The accident has also highlighted the importance of psychological support and care for the victims and their families, as well as for the witnesses and the first responders. Some specialists and organizations have offered their services and advice to help them cope with the trauma and the grief.

The accident has also shown the solidarity and generosity of the people who helped or donated to the victims and their families. Some crowdfunding campaigns have been launched online to collect funds for their medical expenses or funeral costs.

The accident has also reminded us of the fragility and preciousness of life, and the need to cherish every moment with our loved ones.