Tensions in Marseille: Driver Hits Protesters During Taxi Demonstration, Two Slightly Injured
On Tuesday, May 20, around 12:30 p.m., a taxi drivers’ protest in Marseille took a violent turn. At Place Castellane, a car deliberately drove into a group of demonstrators, injuring two people slightly. The incident was captured on video and widely shared on social media.
A Damning Video, Two Slight Injuries
According to initial eyewitness accounts, the driver may have been a VTC (ride-hailing) driver targeted by taxi drivers who had been throwing eggs at his vehicle moments before. The footage shows a grey Kia suddenly making a U-turn and striking several individuals. Two men, both in their thirties, were knocked to the ground. One was taken to La Timone Hospital, the other to Saint-Joseph Hospital.
The Marseille marine firefighters, already present at the scene, responded immediately. While no serious injuries were reported, one of the men may have suffered fractures.
Mounting Tensions Between Taxi Drivers and VTC Services
This incident occurred amid escalating tensions between traditional taxi drivers and VTC operators. Since the start of the protest on Monday, May 19, demonstrations have intensified against new pricing rules for medical transport services, which many taxi drivers see as favoring app-based ride services. Clashes had already been reported near the airport on the first day of the strike.
Speaking to France 3 Provence-Alpes, Sébastien Ribbe, president of the Marseille taxi union, expressed his anger. “One of our colleagues was hit more seriously, but he’s okay. The situation is getting out of control,” he said, adding that he witnessed the violent scene firsthand.
The Bouches-du-Rhône police prefecture confirmed that the driver is actively being sought. No arrests have been made as of now.
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