The prosecutor's office of Toulon announced the opening of a judicial investigation for "manslaughter".

The floor of Toulon announced Wednesday to have opened a judicial investigation for "manslaughter" after the death Monday of the mayor of Signes (Var) crushed by a van whose occupants had just thrown rubble. Mayor of Signes since 1983, Jean-Mathieu Michel, 76 years old, died Monday after being overthrown by the van which he wanted to verbalize the occupants for throwing rubbish along a road.

An accidental death, according to the first elements

The van driver, a 23-year-old bricklayer, who had been detained on Monday, must be presented to an examining magistrate on Wednesday afternoon, with a view to an indictment, said the prosecution. asked for his detention on remand. The other occupant of the van, a 20-year-old apprentice, also in police custody on Monday, was released Tuesday evening.

According to the first elements of the investigation, the death of Jean-Mathieu Michel, who moved the entire political class, would be accidental. On Wednesday, the head of state, Emmanuel Macron "greeted with respect the tireless dedication" of the mayor of Signes and sent a letter of condolence to his family.