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🇫🇷 France /Crime & Justice

Man Dies After Setting Fire to Himself; Partner and Infant Critically Injured in France

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A 37-year-old man died after setting himself on fire in Lens, Pas-de-Calais, on Wednesday evening.
  • He allegedly threw flammable liquid on his partner, 38, and their newborn baby, who are in critical condition.
  • An investigation has been opened for attempted spousal homicide and attempted homicide of a minor.

A tragic incident unfolded in Lens, in the Pas-de-Calais region, on Wednesday evening when a 37-year-old man died after setting himself on fire. Authorities report that prior to the self-immolation, the man allegedly doused his partner and their newborn infant with flammable liquid.

The man died on site.

— Béthune Public Prosecutor's OfficeOfficial statement confirming the death of the perpetrator.

The 38-year-old partner and the baby, who was in her arms at the time, sustained severe injuries. Emergency services and police responded immediately, and both mother and child received prompt medical attention. Their prognoses are critical, with their lives reportedly at risk.

The man died at the scene. Following the incident, an investigation has been launched by judicial police in Lens. The inquiry is focusing on charges of attempted spousal homicide and attempted homicide of a minor under 15 years old.

The mother and the young child were immediately taken care of. Their vital prognosis is engaged.

— Béthune Public Prosecutor's OfficeStatement on the critical condition of the partner and infant.

This event occurs against a backdrop of rising domestic violence statistics in France. In 2024, 107 women were killed by their partners or ex-partners, an increase from 96 in 2023, according to the Inter-ministerial Mission for the Protection of Women (Miprof).

From the very first elements of the investigation, it appears that a man set himself on fire and allegedly threw flammable liquid on his partner and the newborn she was holding in her arms.

— Béthune Public Prosecutor's OfficeInitial findings of the investigation into the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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