A suspected moment of fatigue behind the wheel triggered a major traffic disaster in southern France after a lorry ploughed into more than 20 vehicles, leaving dozens injured.
The crash occurred in Antibes, near Monaco, at around 2pm when the heavy-duty vehicle reportedly sped downhill without braking before slamming into traffic on a busy road.
According to initial reports, the lorry first collided with a police vehicle, causing minor injuries to its occupants. The out-of-control truck then continued through traffic, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving 22 additional vehicles.
Witnesses rushed to the scene moments after the impact, helping trapped motorists and passengers while emergency services were mobilised.
Authorities deployed around 45 emergency personnel to the area as rescue operations got underway. A total of 37 people were injured and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials confirmed that no children were among the casualties.
Dramatic footage shared on social media showed widespread destruction, with vehicles crushed, windscreens shattered and debris scattered across both sides of the roadway.
Investigators are currently interviewing witnesses and examining evidence to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been caused by the lorry driver falling asleep at the wheel. A breathalyser test conducted on the driver reportedly returned a negative result, ruling out alcohol as a contributing factor.
Police have since secured the area and launched a full investigation into the collision.
The crash is one of the most serious road incidents reported in the region this year and has renewed concerns over driver fatigue, particularly among commercial vehicle operators.
Authorities are expected to release further details once the investigation progresses and all injured victims have been accounted for.
