A 16-year-old teenager was seriously injured to his hand on Wednesday, October 7, in the morning, near Couffignal high school in Strasbourg, during sporadic tensions with law enforcement. According to the local prefecture, the injury occurred after the teenager handled a mortar, a type of explosive device typically used in military operations. The prefecture stated that the incident happened "as a result of the young person handling the mortar." A police source told ICI Alsace, a regional news outlet, that the teenager suffered "several phalanges torn off"—referring to the bones in the fingers—and that the mortar exploded in his hand while he was attempting to fire it. Emergency services responded quickly, treating him in what officials described as "relative urgency." This incident occurred during the fourth day of student mobilizations in France, which began as a protest against proposed changes to the country’s education system. On Tuesday, October 6, the movement gained broader support, with the intersyndical—a coalition of labor unions—joining students, teachers, and parents in demonstrations, particularly in Strasbourg and Mulhouse. These protests have escalated in recent days, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and police in various cities. The teenager’s injury has drawn attention to the risks faced by participants in the protests, especially when dealing with makeshift or unsecured weapons. While the prefecture emphasized that the incident was due to the teenager’s handling of the mortar, it has not yet provided details about how he obtained the device or whether it was part of the protest activities. Authorities have not commented on whether the teenager was acting alone or in connection with any larger group. Protesters have been demonstrating against proposed reforms to the French education system, which they argue would increase the workload for students and teachers and reduce the quality of education. The movement has seen widespread participation across the country, with students and educators organizing strikes and marches to express their opposition. As the protests continue, authorities remain cautious, emphasizing the need to maintain public safety while addressing the concerns of the demonstrators.