AND HERE IS THE NEWS…
….a quick glance at the latest local news with Caroline Manson
Car incinerated by teenagers
Three children aged 12 and 13 years old faced juvenile court in Perpignan having been accused of setting fire to a car on the outdoor area of Arago Car Park on Saturday night. They were traced thanks to the on scene video cameras and arrested shortly afterwards. They admitted their guilt but could come up with no explanation as to why they did it. The car was completely destroyed.
Millas tragedy trial continues
The Marseille courtroom has been hearing testimonies relating to the tragic accident in Millas when, on December 14th 2017 a schoolbus was hit by a train on a level crossing, claiming the lives of 6 young students and inuring 17 others. The driver maintains that the barriers were up and SNCF state that the barriers were down. The hearing has now been suspended as the driver, 53 year old Nadine Oliveira, collapsed sobbing and had to be taken to hospital and since Saturday has been transferred to intensive care after suffering a ‘heart attack’.
Body found at Cerbère
A man was found dead below the cliffs of Cerbère on Thursday. Hikers at the Cap Cerbère lighthouse called rescue services and the operation to extract the body took several hours and involved diving firefighters from Port-Vendres, and the Dragon 66 helicopter. The gendarmes have opened an investigation but suspect suicide.
Diving accident off Cerbère
A 57 year old diver felt unwell when she reached the surface, following a dive of 20 meters off the coast of Cerbère. Other members of the diving team called rescue services but she sadly died in the hospital. According to the gendarmes, the victim was accompanied by divers more experienced than her. An inquest will be opened.
Cyclist killed in hit and run accident
Two men are in police custody in Perpignan suspected of being the driver and passenger of a large utility vehicle that hit and killed a thirty year old cyclist on Friday evening on the D914 near the Calicéo spa. The men stated that they felt a shock but did not see that they had hit anything so carried on driving. The cyclist was driving on a road not authorised for bicycles and several motorists had called the gendarmes shortly before the accident to report that he was zigzagging without lights.
And finally…
I was very impressed by the level of interest and respect shown by French media following the death of the Queen – including what seemed to be non-stop TV coverage and documentaries during the entire week. I’m not quite sure what to think of the idea of the local Perpignan Espadrille company, Payote, who decided to release a special collection to honour the death of her Majesty. They feature a portrait of the Queen on top, and on the heel is an excerpt from the national anthem. 500 pairs were made and they have been selling like hot cakes to buyers from France, Belgium, Hungary and even Canada (no mention has been made of any UK buyers). As of last Sunday there were apparently only 13 pairs left….
