Strasbourg: 15-Year-Old Dies in Accident on New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve, tragedy struck in the Cité de l’Ill neighborhood, in northern Strasbourg. A 15-year-old teenager was fatally struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene, police sources reported to H24 NEWS on Wednesday, January 1.

Reaction from the Mayor of Strasbourg

Jeanne Barseghian, the Mayor of Strasbourg, expressed her deep sorrow:
“I extend my condolences to the family of the young man who passed away last night. Full clarity must be brought to the circumstances of this tragedy, and everything must be done to find the perpetrator.”

She also condemned the recurring disturbances during New Year’s Eve celebrations:
“The persistent troubles during New Year’s Eve continue to raise concerns. Despite preventive measures, some still choose to cause chaos, notably by setting vehicles on fire or clashing with law enforcement and firefighters. These acts of violence are unacceptable.”

A Context of Urban Violence

While the overall number of incidents remained stable compared to last year, tensions were reported in several sensitive neighborhoods of Strasbourg. Approximately 700 police officers were deployed in the city and its suburbs, while 500 gendarmes were assigned to other parts of the Bas-Rhin department, according to Prefect Jacques Witkowski.

On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, around 40 arrests were made, linked to vehicle damage, dumpster fires, and urban violence. These interventions were part of heightened preventive measures, though persistent disturbances continue to pose security challenges during New Year’s Eve celebrations.