The violent incident, extremely rare for that part of northern France, took place as the vehicle was transporting a prisoner from court to a nearby prison, French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said. Video from the scene showed a black SUV in flames that appeared to have crashed into a prison van near a motorway toll booth, CNN affiliate BFMTV reported. Dupond-Moretti told reporters that the incident was the first time a French prison employee had died while working since 1992. One of the vehicles, a Peugeot, had been used to ram the police van during the attack, Becuau said. A minimum of three police officers had been decided as the security level for the escort several weeks ago, Beccuau told journalists.

Source: CNN May 14, 2024 22:45 UTC