Truck driver charged over teen death after France-Morocco World Cup match

The driver of the truck involved in the death of a 17-year-old girl, which occurred overnight from Thursday to Friday in Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France after the World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco, has been charged and remanded in custody, the Avesnes-sur-Helpe prosecutor's office announced on Sunday.

According to AFP, the 45-year-old man is being prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter aggravated by driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as for failing to assist a person in danger. He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros. He is, however, presumed innocent.

According to prosecutors, after Les Bleus’ victory over Morocco, the driver had gone with relatives to the town center, where large crowds were celebrating France’s qualification for the semi-finals. Several people had climbed onto the back of the truck. The teenager is believed to have fallen as the vehicle pulled away, before being fatally crushed by the articulated lorry.

The driver was arrested shortly after the incident and taken into police custody.