Eight Injured, Two Seriously, After Car Hits Crowd at Illegal Tuning Event in Reims

A car plowed into a crowd at an illegal vehicle tuning event in Reims, France, leaving eight people injured, two of them critically. The incident occurred late Friday night, around 11:40 p.m., at a gathering that attracted approximately 100 cars and between 200 to 300 attendees.

The driver involved has been apprehended, according to local authorities. The Marne prefecture confirmed the incident, with a police source detailing that a vehicle struck several individuals during the event. The prefecture's statement condemned the "irresponsible behaviors" that precipitated the accident, emphasizing that such gatherings "gravely endanger the lives of participants."

Tuning events, where enthusiasts showcase customized vehicles, are frequently prohibited by authorities due to concerns over traffic violations and dangerous street racing, known as "rodéos urbains." The Marne prefect, Romain Royet, reiterated that these events, organized in "blatant disregard for basic safety rules and regulations," pose a significant risk. He assured that state services maintain constant vigilance over these illegal gatherings, conducting regular control and security operations to prevent public disorder and ensure everyone's safety.

This incident occurs as a new bill is being examined in the Senate, aiming to increase penalties for motorized "rodéos." The proposed legislation includes the creation of a fixed misdemeanor fine of 800 euros to allow for quicker sanctions, bypassing lengthy judicial processes.