Heatwave: 30-year-old man dies on athletics track in Val-d'Oise

A 30-year-old man died on an athletics track in Ermont, Val-d'Oise, on Thursday, June 18, as France grappled with a severe heatwave. The man was discovered in cardiac arrest by witnesses shortly before 11 a.m. near the Raoul-Dautry stadium.

Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by those present and the subsequent arrival of a doctor and nurse from a nearby clinic, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Emergency medical services (SMUR) also responded to the scene, but the man was pronounced dead.

The six witnesses to the tragic event will be offered support from a specialized emergency psychological support unit, according to the Val-d'Oise departmental fire and rescue service (SDIS 95).

This fatality occurred as a significant heatwave settled over much of France, with forecasts predicting its continuation and intensification. Météo France described the episode as "extended, durable, and intense," marking the second such heatwave to affect the country in recent weeks, following unprecedented May temperatures.