Givors, June 8 – The A47 highway, connecting Saint-Étienne and Lyon, was shut down for two hours yesterday afternoon, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, following a serious two-car accident in Givors, south of Lyon. Emergency services, including firefighters from the Rhône region, were dispatched to the scene. One woman was critically injured and airlifted to the hospital.
Violent Collision Leads to Emergency Response
The accident, which occurred at approximately 2:30 PM, involved two vehicles in a head-on collision. According to reports from Le Progrès, the impact was described as extremely violent. A woman, aged around forty, sustained severe injuries and was immediately attended to by paramedics.
Due to the severity of her condition, the victim was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital in absolute emergency. The specific hospital name has not been released. Another individual involved in the crash required extrication by firefighters, while a third victim, a man in his thirties, suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
A47 Closed in Both Directions, Causing Major Traffic Jams
The A47 highway was closed in both directions to allow emergency services to operate effectively and to facilitate the landing and takeoff of the medical helicopter. This closure, which lasted until 4:30 PM, led to significant traffic congestion in the area, impacting commuters traveling between Saint-Étienne and Lyon.
The incident marks the second closure of the A47 yesterday, following an earlier disruption in the Loire region in the morning. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the collision.
Local authorities urged drivers to seek alternative routes and to exercise caution while traveling in the vicinity of the accident site. The disruption has now been cleared, and traffic flow has returned to normal.
Emergency Services Praised for Swift Action
The rapid response of the Rhône fire department and medical teams was crucial in managing the aftermath of the accident. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the seriously injured victim received prompt medical attention. The use of a helicopter for evacuation highlights the critical nature of the woman’s injuries.
Further details regarding the condition of the injured parties are expected to be released as the investigation progresses. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and careful driving, especially on busy motorways.
