A chaotic scene unfolded at a kite festival in northern France when a car surged into a crowd, sending spectators scrambling for safety. The event happened on a Saturday evening in the coastal commune of Berck, near Montreuil-sur-Mer. Authorities later confirmed that the driver was a 76-year-old man who appeared to lose control of the vehicle. Investigators said he pressed the wrong pedal, mistaking the brake for the accelerator, which led to the vehicle plowing into people gathered for the celebration.
As a result, eleven individuals sustained injuries. Among them, four women were reported to be in serious condition. Emergency responders arrived quickly, providing medical attention at the scene and coordinating rapid transport to nearby hospitals for further care. The accident left a shockwave through a crowd that had been drawn to the seaside festival by the promise of color, music, and family-friendly activities that occur yearly and draw visitors from across the region and beyond.
Prosecutors stated that the driver underwent tests to determine impairment at the time of the incident. Both alcohol and drug screenings returned negative results, indicating that substances were not a contributing factor. The driver himself sustained minor injuries during the chaotic moments that followed the crash, with witnesses helping to restrain him and ensure he received medical evaluation. The incident prompted immediate investigations to determine circumstances surrounding the incident and any contributing factors related to the festival environment or crowd management.
The kite festival at Berck, which overlooks the coast, is described as a longstanding event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world each year. It blends seaside charm with aerial displays, making it a major draw for local residents and visitors seeking a festive outdoor experience. Local authorities voiced their commitment to reviewing safety procedures in light of the crash and to working with organizers to prevent future harm while preserving the event’s cultural and economic significance.
Earlier reports from other locations described a separate, unrelated incident involving a driver who allegedly struck a pedestrian in a residential area near Moscow, underscoring how public safety incidents can occur in diverse settings and moments of distraction. This latest occurrence in Berck serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, robust crowd control measures, and clear traffic guidance at large outdoor gatherings. The investigation continues as officials review surveillance footage, interview participants, and assess the festival’s layout to identify any potential improvements in traffic flow and emergency response readiness. Citations: local authorities and prosecutorial statements have been used to corroborate the information presented here.