An inflatable climbing wall installed at the top of the funicular was propelled into the air by the power of the wind around 3:30 p.m. last Sunday in Pau (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), while two children aged 7 and 10 were climbing the wall. The structure passed over the balustrade of Boulevard des Pyrénées, which opens onto a gap of more than ten meters. The two young children, however, escaped
“without serious injury”
, according to the local daily
La République des Pyrénées
. As for the funicular agent who tried to hold the structure, he was hospitalized for a significant hand injury, according to information collected by
Sud Ouest.
Three other people in shock were treated by rescuers.
The installation of the structure, which the Ufolep school sports federation was responsible for, had been checked by the City's security services and the securing had been tightened a few minutes before the accident, according to
South West
elements. . In addition, our colleagues specify that the organizers were preparing to suspend the activity because of the wind. A rescue system including eight vehicles, a dozen firefighters from the department as well as employees of the Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation Structure (Smur), was dispatched. In addition, the Pau public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into unintentional injuries in order to find out the exact circumstances of the accident, before entrusting its execution to the National Police.
This attraction was set up on the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a road located in the city center of Pau and offering a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountain range. It also welcomes the arrival of the funicular which leaves from Pau station. The event was part of the
“Boulevard du Sport”
event , the aim of which was to raise awareness among the people of Palois about the passing of the Olympic flame scheduled for May 20, 2024.