Teen’s Death on Train Tracks Sparks Unrest in Paris Suburb

While the young man was riding a mini-motorcycle, he was hit by a Transilien train on line H at a pedestrian level crossing, Chemin des Hautes-Bornes. He died on the spot. Kamil’s body was thrown to the side. His mini-motorcycle remained trapped under the train, which came to a stop a few meters further on. According to witnesses, the accident occurred around 6:50 pm. Alerted by the general surveillance (SUGE) of the railway safety, the police went to the scene.

Upon their arrival, violence broke out. The police arrested eight young people, aged 16 to 32. Arrests punctuated by projectile throwing, slogans hostile to the police. On Twitter and Snapchat, videos were posted to encourage internet users to "avenge Kamil". "There was no patrol in the area, and no chase in progress in the sector," the national police said on franceinfo on Thursday, May 28, trying to deny any responsibility in the young man’s accident.