Overview
- A sudden hailstorm preceded a chain of crashes around 6:40 a.m. near Wimille on the A16 between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Calais.
- Initial reports describe an eight-car collision in one direction followed by two related crashes in the opposite lanes involving six cars and two heavy trucks.
- Authorities say 22 people sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to nearby hospitals.
- The victim, identified as Mathieu Cornu, 25, a volunteer firefighter heading to the Marquise station, was hit after stopping to assist and was later found in a roadside ditch.
- A judicial inquiry for involuntary homicide and involuntary injury by a driver is underway, with psychological support cells activated and officials offering public condolences.