station fire kills one, injures five

On images filmed by a passerby, thick black smoke escapes from Valenciennes station (North), in the afternoon of Friday March 25. The fumes are followed by several explosions. A violent fire took place on the tracks of the station. A wagon of a goods convoy carrying tires caught fire.

Immediately, the firefighters intervened to prevent the spread of the fire. Valenciennes station is evacuated. Just before, passengers were able to film people on the roof of the train. Are they the cause of the fire? According to witnesses, one of them could have hit a catenary while climbing on the roof of the wagon. “We were called at 4:38 p.m. for a person who was electrified on the tire wagon and this person, by being electrified, caused the fire of this wagon”, explains Gilles Grégoire, general controller of firefighters. A provisional report shows at least one death and five minor injuries, including two firefighters. An investigation has been opened.