The man died after a floodlight ramp collapsed on him
A man working as a groundsman for Ligue 1 side Lorient has died after being struck by a falling piece of floodlight equipment.
The 38-year-old is said to have been working on the pitch at the Stade du Moustoir after Lorient’s 3-0 defeat to Rennes on Sunday when a floodlight ramp collapsed on him.
Emergency services quickly arrived at the stadium and are said to have used a defibrillator on the man, who is understood to have been working as a volunteer, before he was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Despite being put on life support on his arrival at hospital, reports in France have now claimed the man, a father of three, has passed away.
“It’s a terrible accident,” said Fabrice Loher, Lorient’s mayor, who was present at the ground at the time. “The police from the Lorient police station have marked up the scene and an investigation is underway to understand the circumstances of the accident.”
Two other grounds staff were taken to hospital but neither are believed to have suffered any physical injury as a result of the incident. Local firemen were also said to have arrived to inspect the structure of the stadium’s floodlights.
A tweet from Lorient showed players and staff holding a moment of reflection for the man, who they named as Yohann, prior to their training session on Monday morning.
‘Players, staff and employees of FC Lorient performed a minute of meditation this morning in tribute to Yohann who died last night.
‘The FCL would like to extend its condolences and support to his family, friends and colleagues.’
Joueurs, staff et salariés du FC Lorient ont effectué une minute de recueillement ce matin en hommage à Yohann décédé hier soir.
Le FCL tient à adresser toutes ses condoléances et son soutien à sa famille, ses proches et ses collègues. pic.twitter.com/KnhNHvNl2I
— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) December 21, 2020
