2 dead, officer in coma after Champions League celebrations in France
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Paris: Two people lost their lives and a police officer remains in a coma following widespread celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) historic UEFA Champions League triumph, French authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The jubilant mood turned tragic in multiple regions. In Dax, southwestern France, a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a PSG street celebration after Saturday night's final in Munich, according to the national police. In Paris, a man riding a scooter was struck and killed by a car amid the festivities. The Interior Ministry said both incidents are currently under investigation to determine the exact circumstances.
In Coutances, located in northwest France, a police officer sustained severe injuries after being accidentally struck in the eye by fireworks. The officer has been placed in an artificial coma due to the gravity of the injury, police officials reported.
While the celebrations began peacefully, several areas experienced outbreaks of violence and unrest. By 2 a.m. Sunday, authorities had made 294 arrests nationwide, including 30 individuals who broke into a shoe store on the Champs-Élysées. Two cars were reportedly set on fire near PSG’s home ground, the Parc des Princes.
In anticipation of potential unrest, security forces had deployed 5,400 officers across the Champs-Élysées, other key areas of Paris, and surrounding suburbs. At the top of the Champs-Élysées, police used water cannons to prevent crowds from breaching barriers and approaching the Place de l'Étoile near the Arc de Triomphe. A large group, which had not been watching the match, reportedly attempted to push through the barriers to confront police.
Meanwhile, scenes at the Place de la Bastille reflected the more joyful side of the celebration. Fans climbed the base of the iconic July Column, singing, dancing, and lighting flares as the crowd cheered and celebrated with them. Some revved motorbikes and circled the monument to loud applause. At that point, no police were present, and by 1 a.m., the atmosphere remained festive and largely free of conflict.
PSG’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final marks the club’s first European title, setting off massive street celebrations. The team is expected to return to Paris for a grand victory parade on the Champs-Élysées later on Sunday.
With PTI inputs
