The truck driver involved in the death of a 17-year-old girl during celebrations of France's victory over Morocco has been formally charged and placed in pretrial detention. The decision was announced by the Avesnes-sur-Helpe prosecutor's office. The 45-year-old man is being prosecuted for aggravated manslaughter. The aggravating circumstances cited by the court are driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to provide assistance to the victim after the accident.
The tragedy occurred during the celebrations of the French team's victory.
The incident occurred on the night of July 9-10, following France's qualification for the World Cup semi-finals after their victory against Morocco. In Aulnoye-Aymeries, in northern France, many residents were celebrating the French team's success. The truck driver had gone to the town center with several acquaintances. Several people had climbed onto the back of the vehicle, including the 17-year-old victim. According to initial findings of the investigation, the teenager fell when the truck started moving and was then crushed by the vehicle. Despite the rapid intervention of emergency services, she died at the scene. A minor, a direct witness to the incident, was also hospitalized in a state of shock.
An investigation that led to an incarceration
The driver was apprehended immediately after the incident and taken into custody. Following this, the public prosecutor's office opened a judicial investigation. The investigating judge decided to formally charge him, while the judge of freedoms and detention ordered his pretrial detention pending further investigation.
Up to 10 years imprisonment could be faced
The charge of aggravated manslaughter against the driver carries a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment and a €150000 fine. Like any person charged with a crime, he benefits from the presumption of innocence until a possible final conviction.
