Tragedy During a Christmas Parade in Trouville-sur-Mer

On Saturday, November 30, the Christmas festivities in Trouville-sur-Mer (Calvados) were overshadowed by a serious incident. A metallic float, carrying an articulated bird designed for a festive parade, collapsed near the casino, injuring 14 people, one of them seriously.

Among the victims, an artist who was on the bird is among those seriously injured, though no lives are reported to be at risk. Most of the injuries consist of fractures, and no children were among the victims, according to the town hall. The most critically injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Le Havre and Caen, as confirmed by the fire department.

The accident occurred during the launch of the Christmas lights, accompanied by the Fantasia Céleste parade on Boulevard Fernand-Moureaux. The articulated bird, a central feature of the parade and prominently displayed on the event poster, was meant to embody “a magical procession blending light and wonder to captivate young and old alike,” according to the town’s announcements.

Special traffic and parking measures had been implemented for the event, intended to mark the start of the festive season in the seaside town. Despite these preparations, the tragedy turned what was meant to be an enchanting evening into one of shock and sorrow.