Truck driver falls asleep and triggers 23-vehicle carnage in France, leaving 37 injured after lorry hurtles downhill
A Lorry driver caused a massive pile-up in the south of France after falling asleep at the wheel.
The truck bolted down a slope without braking before plowing into more than 20 vehicles on a busy road in Antibes, near Monaco.
According to reports, the heavy-duty vehicle began hurtling uncontrollably downhill at around 2pm.
It first smashed into a police car, leaving its occupants with minor injuries.
A further 22 vehicles were then caught up in a devastating chain reaction of events.
The alarm was raised immediately as horrified bystanders rushed to help, attempting to free those trapped inside their vehicles.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with around 45 personnel deployed to treat the injured.
In total, 37 people were hurt and taken to various hospitals nearby.
Authorities said no children were among the injured.
Footage of the dramatic crash quickly spread across social media, showing mangled vehicles strewn across both sides of the road.
Distressing images revealed smashed windscreens, crumpled bodywork, and cars left bent out of recognition by the force of the collision.
Investigators are now questioning witnesses at Antibes police station as they work to establish exactly what happened.
At this stage, authorities believe the crash was accidental and that the lorry driver fell asleep behind the wheel.
A breathalyzer test carried out on the driver came back negative.
Police have since cordoned off the area while investigations continue.
This is not the first time France has seen an unusual road incident in recent months.
Back in April, a bus plunged into the River Seine after a trainee driver made a handling error, colliding with another vehicle before losing control.
Four people were on board at the time – the driver, an instructor, and two passengers – as the bus veered off a bridge and into the water.
All four were pulled to safety as the vehicle began to sink.
On its way into the river, the bus struck a parked car, sending it toppling over the edge as well.
Officials later said they did not believe anyone was inside the car at the time of the crash.
Juvisy Mayor Lamia Bensarsa Reda said she was “stunned” by the rare accident.
“The bus was leaving the bus station when the driver lost control and hit a parked car,” she said.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this. I think I’ve just experienced the worst day of my life.”
World Affairs Correspondent
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