A journey that turned into a nightmare: on the A7 motorway, an unimaginable tragedy struck the family from Vénissieux.
Five children have died in a horrific road accident, leaving devastated relatives and an investigation underway to understand the causes of the tragedy.
Tragic accident on the A7 motorway(1/12)
On Monday, July 20, 2020, a tragic accident occurred on the A7 motorway, killing five children. The accident occurred near Albon in the Drôme region as the family was heading south for a long-awaited vacation.
The vehicle, a Renault Grand Scénic, was carrying nine people from the same family, even though it was designed for seven. Among the victims were eight-year-old Maryam and twelve-year-old Yousef, the children of Rachid, who lost two of his beloved children in the tragedy.
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Loss of control of a burning vehicle(2/12)
The vehicle caught fire before leaving the road. Witnesses and officers described the incident as a nightmare. According to Alex Perrin, prosecutor of Valence, the driver lost control of the vehicle after reporting a brake problem. Before losing consciousness, he stated that he desperately tried to brake, but to no avail. This technical failure is at the center of an ongoing investigation, which will determine whether lack of maintenance played a role in the tragedy.
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Surveillance footage showing a burning vehicle (3/12)
Surveillance footage from the Vinci Autoroutes revealed a terrifying scene. The vehicle, already engulfed in flames, rolled several times before coming to rest in a field, its roof completely crushed. Drôme Department Prefect Hugues Moutouh described the intense fire, emphasizing the ferocity of the accident. Emergency services arrived quickly, but it was too late for the five children.
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Survivors in critical condition (4/12)
In addition to the five children who died, four other family members were hospitalized in critical condition. Among them was his wife, Rachida, who suffered burns over 90% of her body, and their 8-year-old child. Their lives are in danger, and authorities fear the death toll could rise in the coming days. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief, even reaching Brussels, where Emmanuel Macron offered his condolences.
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Another fatal accident on the A7 (5/12)
This accident is not an isolated incident on the A7 motorway, which witnessed another tragedy earlier that day. A passenger on a motorcycle was killed in another accident, highlighting the dangers of road traffic. Jehanne Collard, a lawyer specializing in representing road accident victims, responded by reminding everyone that the slightest carelessness at high speeds can be fatal, even on the motorway.
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Vehicle overloaded but suspected technical fault (6/12)
The vehicle’s overload, with nine people crammed into a seven-seat minivan, was also considered a contributing factor. However, authorities believe the crash was primarily caused by a mechanical failure, unrelated to the number of passengers. This hypothesis is supported by the driver’s testimony, who reported brake failure before losing consciousness.
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Rachid’s heartbreaking gesture (7/12)
The community of Vénissieux is in mourning, mourning the loss of these young lives cut short too soon. Rachid, the father of two deceased children, was seen clutching his daughter’s dress to his heart—a heartbreaking gesture that illustrates the depth of his grief. Kamel Kabtane, rector of the Lyon mosque, expressed his emotion at the touching scene.
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Technical failure investigation (8/12)
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the accident, trying to understand how such a tragedy could have occurred. Investigators are examining the condition of the vehicle and any potential technical issues that may have contributed to the accident. The results of this investigation will be crucial in providing answers to the grieving families.
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Road safety concerns (9/12)
Road safety is a priority, and this tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and vehicle maintenance. The Ministers of Interior and Transport attended the scene to assess the situation and express support for the victims and their families.
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Community support for bereaved families (10/12)
The grief of the loved ones is indescribable, and the local community has come together to offer support and prayers. Local and national authorities have pledged to do everything possible to help the families affected by this tragedy overcome this difficult experience.
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Road safety improvements needed (11/12)
The road can be unforgiving, and this accident is stark evidence of its potential dangers. We must continue to work to improve road safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The victims’ families deserve answers and concrete action to prevent others from suffering a similar loss.
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Tribute and solidarity for the victims (12/12)
As the investigation continues, expressions of sympathy have poured in for the young victims, and an outpouring of support has grown for the devastated families. This tragedy will remain etched in our memories as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.