In the early hours of Saturday, August 30, a tragic incident occurred in the city center of Évreux, France, when a car collided with a crowd, resulting in one fatality and injuring five others. Among the injured, two are reported to be in critical condition, according to the Office of the Public Prosecutor, which spoke with Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The altercation began around 4 a.m. at the popular wine bar “La Winery,” located in downtown Évreux. An argument reportedly broke out involving several individuals, including a young woman and a group of men, as shared by Rémi Coutin, the Public Prosecutor of Évreux. Bouncers proceeded to evacuate the bar, which was crowded with approximately 100 patrons.
“It was during this time that one individual apparently retrieved a vehicle and deliberately reversed at high speed into the crowd outside the venue,” stated Prosecutor Coutin.
The collision resulted in the immediate death of one man, while five others were rushed to the Évreux University Hospital, with two in a state of absolute emergency.
Police have detained at least two individuals who were inside the car and a third person outside, consisting of two men and one woman. An investigation has been launched to address charges of homicide and attempted homicide, though authorities have dismissed any terrorist, racist, or similar motives.
Mayor Guy Lefrand of Évreux expressed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families in a Facebook message. “I commend the swift response of law enforcement and emergency services who were quick to secure the area and attend to the injured. The situation is now under control,” Lefrand reassured.
In a subsequent interview on BFM-TV, Mayor Lefrand criticized the bar’s management for failing to adhere to operating hours, pointing out that it should have closed by 1 a.m. He described the establishment as “notoriously problematic.”
The tragic event has left the community, home to nearly 50,000 residents, in a state of shock, prompting calls for increased scrutiny of local nightlife establishments.
