A 45-year-old man, tested positive for alcohol and cannabis, struck a group of people on Friday evening in Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe, injuring 19 individuals including seven children. He was placed in provisional detention following his indictment for involuntary injuries. The accident, occurring during Christmas festivities, has sparked strong emotions across the archipelago.
On Friday evening, during Christmas festivities organized by the Sainte-Anne commune in Guadeloupe, nearly 300 people had gathered in front of a food truck. A 45-year-old man driving his vehicle suddenly struck the crowd, hitting around 30 people. In total, 19 injuries were reported, with hospital stays of less than or more than three months. Among them are seven children, including one about ten years old in serious condition.
The driver, tested positive for alcohol and cannabis, was arrested at the scene. Pointe-à-Pitre's deputy prosecutor, Alexandra Onfray, confirmed to AFP on Sunday that he was indicted for involuntary road injuries and placed in provisional detention. «He was placed in provisional detention after his indictment for road injuries», she explained, confirming information from Radio Caraïbes International.
The incident has triggered a wave of emotions in the Caribbean archipelago, with reactions from numerous local figures. To support the victims, a psychological listening unit will be set up in the affected schools. The academy's rector will visit these institutions on Monday, the organization announced in a statement. The investigation continues to clarify the exact circumstances of the accident, highlighting the risks of driving under the influence during festive events.