Residents of Thouars awoke in shock and anger on the morning of April 23, 2025, after a night of chaos saw about twenty cars set ablaze in the historic center of the town. The fires erupted around 2 a.m., with reports indicating nine separate locations affected, leading to a swift response from emergency services.
Mayor Bernard Paineau, who has been in office since 2020, expressed his dismay as he surveyed the damage. "This started around 2 a.m. There were nine fires, and it spread quickly. One car was burning here, others were burning further away," he recounted, having rushed to the scene to witness the destruction.
In total, 51 firefighters were mobilized to combat the flames, with reinforcements arriving from the nearby departments of Vienne and Maine-et-Loire. The situation was brought under control by 5 a.m., but not before significant damage was done. "It's very sad. Look at the car behind me. This morning, a lady told me she had just taken out a loan to buy it. She had just found a job and needed this car to get to work. Behind this, there are human tragedies," Paineau lamented.
Among the victims was Cyril, a local resident who discovered his car, purchased just two years prior, completely burned. "I was devastated when I saw it. Now, I'm angry. We paid for it together; it was tough. We don't even know how we'll be reimbursed or how we'll find another one that isn't too expensive. It's not smart to burn the cars of those who can't afford to replace them," he shared emotionally.
The series of car fires is not an isolated incident for Thouars. In late July 2023, a similar event saw seventeen cars set on fire in a single night, and just a few months later, on December 27, 2024, about twenty vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the center. An 18-year-old was sentenced to one year in prison for his involvement in the latter incident.
Frustration is growing among residents and officials alike, as this latest outbreak of arson compounds a troubling trend. "Twenty-one cars is no small matter. This event affects people here who have done nothing to deserve this and feel attacked. It's dramatic," Paineau asserted.
The mayor also highlighted the installation of 22 surveillance cameras in 2023, which previously helped identify suspects in earlier incidents. "Two years ago, the cameras allowed us to catch the person responsible within 48 hours," he noted, expressing hope that footage from the recent fires will assist the police in their investigation.
A command post was established to manage the situation, and an investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances surrounding these fires. The prosecutor's office in Niort is expected to provide updates later in the day.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, the emotional toll on the residents is palpable. "It's unacceptable," said Paineau, reflecting on the impact of the fires on local lives. "When you see the first fire notification and then others come in one after another, you realize you're dealing with a series of incidents. I think naturally of the residents who are affected by this senseless violence."
The response from local authorities has been swift, with both the mayor and the sub-prefect of Bressuire, Hélène Simon, visiting the affected areas. The police have yet to release information regarding potential suspects or motives, leaving the community in a state of unease.
As investigations continue, the people of Thouars are left to confront not only the physical damage but also the emotional scars left by this wave of violence. The mayor's calls for solidarity and vigilance resonate as the town seeks to heal and restore a sense of safety.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in maintaining peace and security. As Thouars looks to move forward, the hope is that those responsible for these acts will be brought to justice and that the community can find a way to rebuild and recover from this turmoil.
