Three teenage girls, aged 13, 14, and 15, lost their lives in a tragic road accident during the night of Friday, April 17 to Saturday, April 18, 2026, in France’s Haute-Loire region. The devastating crash has left families, friends, and the wider community in shock and mourning.
The collision occurred shortly before 2:00 a.m. on the RN88 roadway between Saint-Ferréol-d’Auroure and Firminy. According to initial reports, two vehicles were involved. Authorities say the first vehicle, which was carrying seven occupants, was struck from behind by a second car under circumstances that are still being investigated.
In addition to the three fatalities, four other individuals were injured in the crash. Emergency responders classified two of the আহত victims—a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old—as being in critical condition and requiring urgent medical attention. A 14-year-old girl was also injured but reported to be in less critical condition. All were treated at the scene before being transported to nearby medical facilities.
The driver of the second vehicle, a man in his twenties, tested positive for alcohol following the crash. Authorities stated that he fled the scene immediately after the collision but was later located. His injuries were not severe enough to require hospitalization, and he has since been taken into police custody.
Prosecutors in Puy-en-Velay have opened an investigation on charges including vehicular homicide and unintentional injury caused by a driver. Early indications suggest the vehicle that was struck may have been traveling at a low speed, possibly due to mechanical issues, which could have contributed to the severity of the crash.
Emergency services responded in large numbers, with nearly 40 firefighters from the Loire and Haute-Loire regions mobilized to assist. The RN88 remained closed for several hours as crews worked at the scene, reopening around 5:30 a.m.
