Two teenagers died in a collision with a private ambulance in Lyon. Their faces remain on a wall as a tribute, and the paramedic faces trial for negligent homicide.
Teenagers honored with tribute
The faces of Iris Pichène and Warren Bistoquet are still visible on a wall at the Maréchal-Joffre quay in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon. This tribute honors two teenagers in love whose lives ended suddenly on August 22, 2022.Trial to examine fatal accident
This Thursday, the fatal accident involving Iris and Warren will be at the center of a trial before the Lyon correctional court. The paramedic involved, now 36 years old, is being charged with negligent homicide and deliberate violation of a safety or prudence obligation.Driver faces potential prison time
Cyril P., the paramedic, faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years. A private ambulance involved in an emergency collided with the two teenagers, leading to their deaths.Details of the collision
On August 22, 2022, around 6 p.m., Iris and Warren were riding on the same electric rental scooter on the bus lane of the Maréchal-Joffre quay. Warren was driving, and Iris was in front of him. Behind them, a private ambulance was approaching.Ambulance's emergency route
The ambulance, dispatched by the Samu to care for a patient suffering from a drug overdose at the Champvert clinic before transferring him to the Saint-Joseph Saint-Luc hospital, was moving quickly and ran through several red lights, as shown by surveillance footage.Collision and aftermath
Upon arriving at the quay, the paramedic used the bus lane where the teenagers were. According to the investigation, Warren noticed the arrival of the vehicle, turned his head, and made a move to the left. The driver, on the other hand, claimed he had slowed down and moved aside to overtake the scooter. However, the ambulance hit the two teenagers from behind, throwing them to the ground.No direct footage of the crash
Despite the intervention of emergency services and several witnesses, Iris and Warren died at the scene. An accident not captured on camera. Although investigators were able to use images of the ambulance's journey, no camera directly recorded the moment of the collision.Reconstructing the incident
The investigation therefore had to reconstruct the trajectories, speeds, and exact circumstances of the accident. The behavior of the paramedic will be central during the trial, as emergency vehicles can benefit from certain exemptions under the Road Traffic Code without being authorized to endanger other road users.Driver's prior violations
Already convicted for speeding, the paramedic had lost his license. At the time of the incident, he was driving with a provisional permit, which should have kept him away from the driver's seat of his ambulance.Restrictions on the driver
Released during the proceedings, the driver has since been subject to several restrictions. He is, for example, no longer allowed to drive motor vehicles or come into contact with employees of the Lyon Ambulances company.Four years later
Four years after the disappearance of the two teenagers, the hearing on Thursday will have to examine the criminal responsibilities in this fatal collision.
