Two young men tragically lost their lives on February 14, 2025, following a fatal accident involving a Tesla vehicle on Avenue Félix-Faure, located in Lyon's 3rd arrondissement. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM and involved the two victims, aged 19 and 22, who were riding on a scooter at the time.
Reports indicate the Tesla, driven by a man in his forties, lost control and struck several parked vehicles before colliding with the young men. The impact was so severe it resulted in the scooter being found split in two on the scene. Despite the prompt arrival of emergency services, which included around fifteen firefighters, the two boys were unable to be revived and were declared dead on-site.
According to the Lyon Prosecutor's Office, investigations are currently underway for involuntary manslaughter due to negligence, as the driver has been placed under custody for questioning. Eyewitness reports suggested the driver experienced some form of malaise before the crash, potentially contributing to his loss of control over the vehicle.
The exact circumstances leading up to the collision remain uncertain as local authorities continue to investigate. The accident took place at the intersection of Avenue Félix-Faure and Rue du Lac, near significant construction for the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, which aims to connect Part-Dieu to Sept-Chemins. The site has been under heavy construction for some time, raising questions about road signage and safety during such projects.
Mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, expressed his "deep sadness" following the tragic incident, highlighting the collective anguish of the victims' families. He stated, "My thoughts are first and foremost with their families and loved ones, plunged in immeasurable pain. I extend all my condolences and support to them." The mayor's comments echoed the sentiments of many within the community, mourning this heartbreaking loss.
Images obtained from the site revealed the chaotic aftermath of the crash, with the once ordered roadway now marred by debris and the wreckage of mangled vehicles. Local residents responded with shock, many questioning whether more should have been done to mitigate such tragedies, especially with the heightened presence of scooters and other micro-mobility vehicles during road construction.
Jean-Michel Atlas, former president of Olympique Lyonnais, voiced his frustrations about road safety standards, stating on social media, "There should have been real reconsideration from the municipality before this dramatic accident. It is evidently due to poor signage during the current extensive works, which have been overwhelming and poorly coordinated." His statements underline the growing concern about the interplay between heavy construction, vehicle safety, and the coexistence of various transportation modes within urban areas.
Questions now loom over the investigation, particularly surrounding the factors influencing the driver’s loss of control—was it purely health-related, or were there other contributing elements such as vehicle malfunction or insufficient signage along the construction-dominated roadways?
Authorities are also likely to reassess traffic regulations pertaining to micro-mobility vehicles like scooters, particularly as their presence increasingly becomes commonplace on Lyon's busy streets. This incident serves as another stark reminder of the need for urgent action to safeguard all road users.
While the investigation continues, the Mayor of Lyon has assured the public they are committed to finding the truth behind this tragedy and ensuring such occurrences do not repeat. He pledged to closely monitor the investigation's outcome and address any identified shortcomings.
The loss of these two young men marks yet another chapter of grief for the city of Lyon, calling for enhanced dialogue and proactive measures concerning urban safety as discussions on vehicle regulations and infrastructure improvements gain momentum.