A tragic accident in southern France has claimed the lives of three teenagers after the car they were in crashed into a private swimming pool. The driver is suspected to have been under the influence of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas.
Details of the Fatal Crash in Alès
The horrific incident occurred in the town of Alès, in southern France, in the early hours of Wednesday, December 3. A Peugeot 207 veered off the road, smashed through a wall, and landed in a private swimming pool. The pool was reported to be only slightly larger than the vehicle itself.
All three occupants, aged 14, 15, and 19, were trapped inside the submerged car. According to Alès public prosecutor, Abdelkrim Grini, the victims were "physically unable to open the doors" because "the width of the pool was not large enough to open the doors." They tragically drowned before help could reach them.
Nitrous Oxide and Other Items Found in Vehicle
After firefighters pulled the car from the water, investigators made several alarming discoveries. Multiple nitrous oxide canisters were found inside the vehicle, some still full and others empty. The prosecutor confirmed that cannabis, bottles of alcohol, and a small amount of cash were also recovered from the car.
An investigation is underway to determine if the driver had indeed ingested nitrous oxide. Initial assessments indicated that the two passengers in the front seats were not wearing seatbelts. The car was insured and belonged to the 19-year-old victim, though it is not yet confirmed if he was driving.
Authorities Express Concern and Sympathy
Public prosecutor Abdelkrim Grini expressed growing concern, stating, "At our level, we are seeing more and more arrests of people who have consumed nitrous oxide while driving a vehicle." The mayor of Alès, Christophe Rivenq, addressed the safety of the road, noting it has a 30 km/h speed limit and was not inherently dangerous unless someone was speeding.
Mayor Rivenq added that his thoughts were with the families, saying the young victims "did not deserve to die at this age." Reports from French media indicated that the three teenagers were known to authorities for involvement in drug-related activities, with the 15-year-old having been in police custody just the previous weekend for alleged drug trafficking.
The public prosecutor's office has opened a formal investigation to piece together the final hours leading up to the devastating crash.
