On February 24, 2025, at around 2 PM, disaster struck near Nancy, France, when an exceptional convoy transporting a massive 165-ton boiler overturned on the Gabriel Fauré bridge, located in Jarville-la-Malgrange. The boiler was headed for the Novacarb facility at Laneuveville-devant-Nancy, but the maneuver quickly turned perilous.
According to reports from France 3 Lorraine, the incident began when the convoy, after departing from the port of Frouard, encountered structural failure on the bridge—originally capable of supporting up to 120 tons. Although it was decided to install temporary supports, the platform could not withstand the 165 tons of the vehicle and its cargo, causing one side to collapse and the convoy to tip dangerously.
Witnessing the troubling scene, M. Fastrez, a traffic technician from Grand Nancy, commented, “Given the weight and dimensions, the maneuver was perilous from the start. We had hoped the additional structures would suffice, but unfortunately, they did not.”
The driver, who is only 22 years old, was injured during the accident. Attempting to escape the vehicle, he sustained injuries to his head and was taken to the Central Hospital of Nancy for treatment. Authorities confirmed he suffered only minor injuries, easing initial concerns about the severity of the accident.
The police, along with local safety crews, responded swiftly. A perimeter of safety was established around the bridge, prohibiting pedestrian and vehicle access across several routes, including the Rue Gabriel Fauré, Rue des Hauts-Fourneaux, and paths along the canal of La Marne-au-Rhin. Local navigation also came to a halt due to the obstruction.
Traffic congestion ensued, as the operational recovery of the overturned convoy was expected to take several hours—if not days. “It’s uncertain how long it will take to lift the cargo, as we require large cranes and the coordination of their logistics will be complex,” said Christophe Fenard from Alsace Levage Manutention, who was present at the scene. “We hope to get the equipment here quickly, but it's all dependent on their availability.”
Not only did the incident lead to significant traffic disruptions, but local authorities had to put diversions in place. The prefecture of Meurthe-et-Moselle emphasized the need for drivers to adhere to these detours for their safety. “We urge all travelers to exercise caution and respect the diversions arranged for this situation,” officials declared.
Initial traffic projections suggested the disruption would impact the Grand Nancy region for at least two days. Local authorities managed to keep surrounding areas, such as the parking area at Laneuveville-devant-Nancy, open to alleviate some congestion and offer stranded motorists options.
Images and videos of the scene quickly circulated on social media, showcasing the overturned vehicle’s precarious position on the bridge, with the boiler threatening to plunge down to the canal below. The structural integrity of the bridge was also called to question, as experts were set to assess any damage sustained during the incident.
This incident highlights not only the logistical challenges of transporting massive industrial equipment but also raises broader questions about infrastructure safety and the protocols involved. What measures will be taken to prevent such risky maneuvers going forward?
Meanwhile, the aftermath of the accident has left local communities grappling with extended road closures and delays. Traffic authorities indicated the need for vigilance as recovery operations continue and routes remain uncertain for future travel plans. All parties involved are hoping for safe and swift resolution to restore normalcy to the affected areas.
Further updates are expected as the situation progresses, particularly from the expert teams who are working tirelessly to lift the boiler and assess the condition of the bridge. Residents and commuters alike are encouraged to stay informed and stay clear of impacted areas until official clearance is provided.