Severe winter weather has hit France, leading to tragic consequences on the roads. At least five fatalities have been reported due to heavy snowfall and ice, which have transformed roadways into treacherous conditions.
Fatalities and Injuries from Winter Weather
On Tuesday, three individuals lost their lives in two separate accidents involving icy roads in the southwest region. One collision on the A63 motorway included two buses and numerous other vehicles. This incident resulted in four injuries, with two individuals in critical condition.
Another fatal accident occurred on the RD824 near Saint-Paul-lès-Dax. A truck driver was struck by a vehicle while attempting to assist another truck that had already crashed.
In the Île-de-France region, a vehicle for hire driver died overnight after slipping into the Marne River. Another driver perished in a crash involving a heavy truck on Monday.
Weather Conditions and Transportation Issues
Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot criticized the national weather services, which he felt had underestimated the severity of these conditions. He noted that measures should have been taken sooner, including pre-treatment of roads to mitigate the risk of accidents and prevent people from being stranded, reminiscent of issues faced in 2018.
Impact on Daily Life
- Up to 30 centimeters of snow fell in La Rochelle, marking the largest accumulation in 40 years.
- Schools remained open in some areas, but school transport was suspended in various regions, including Brittany.
- The transportation system faced significant challenges, especially in the western part of the country.
By Tuesday morning, the situation in Paris was slowly improving. Municipal workers were actively spreading salt on sidewalks to combat icy conditions that had blanketed the capital in snow.
Forecast and Future Warnings
Météo-France has issued warnings for 26 western departments due to ongoing snow and ice risks. With temperatures dipping between -3°C to -10°C, concerns remain high. Weather forecasts indicate that a new system is expected to bring more snow and freezing rain across northern France.
