Tragic Workplace Accident Claims Lives of Three Masons in Burgundy
Three masons killed after a stone wall collapsed on a construction site in Pommard, leading to an investigation.
On May 13, 2025, three masons were killed in Pommard, Côte-d'Or, when a stone wall collapsed at a construction site, marking a rare and tragic workplace accident in France, which has had high workplace fatality rates compared to its European counterparts.
Dijon's public prosecutor, Olivier Caracotch, confirmed that a manslaughter investigation has been initiated following the incident.
The victims were aged 45, 56, and 58, and were working on a rural building project when the wall collapsed early in the morning, burying them under the debris.
Specific details surrounding the circumstances and causes of the accident remain unclear, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation being conducted by the labor inspectorate and the Beaune gendarmerie.
The site has been completely secured by authorities.
The affected property features old stone walls typical of this viticultural region and is located near the renowned Château Pommard.
A local official reported that the wall fell while workers were attempting to stabilize it as part of the construction of a winery facility intended for storage and fermentation purposes.
Local municipal officials quickly arrived at the scene to assist with debris removal in an attempt to rescue the victims, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Emergency responders, including 28 firefighters, arrived but were unable to revive the deceased masons.
In response to the incident, a psychological support unit has been established for those affected.
Benoît Byrski, the deputy prefect of Beaune, visited the site.
The company involved in the project, Guy Bernard, has not commented on the accident.
This local firm, which employed eight workers, specializes in vineyard construction, including cellar and cuverie work, and had recently been acquired after entering liquidation last year.
According to data from 2023, France reported over 700,000 workplace accidents, with approximately 555,000 leading to compensation claims.
These incidents resulted in 759 fatalities, an increase of 21 compared to 2022, positioning France among the countries with high workplace fatality rates in Europe.
François Sauvadet, the president of the Côte-d'Or departmental council, expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims following this devastating incident.
Dijon's public prosecutor, Olivier Caracotch, confirmed that a manslaughter investigation has been initiated following the incident.
The victims were aged 45, 56, and 58, and were working on a rural building project when the wall collapsed early in the morning, burying them under the debris.
Specific details surrounding the circumstances and causes of the accident remain unclear, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation being conducted by the labor inspectorate and the Beaune gendarmerie.
The site has been completely secured by authorities.
The affected property features old stone walls typical of this viticultural region and is located near the renowned Château Pommard.
A local official reported that the wall fell while workers were attempting to stabilize it as part of the construction of a winery facility intended for storage and fermentation purposes.
Local municipal officials quickly arrived at the scene to assist with debris removal in an attempt to rescue the victims, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Emergency responders, including 28 firefighters, arrived but were unable to revive the deceased masons.
In response to the incident, a psychological support unit has been established for those affected.
Benoît Byrski, the deputy prefect of Beaune, visited the site.
The company involved in the project, Guy Bernard, has not commented on the accident.
This local firm, which employed eight workers, specializes in vineyard construction, including cellar and cuverie work, and had recently been acquired after entering liquidation last year.
According to data from 2023, France reported over 700,000 workplace accidents, with approximately 555,000 leading to compensation claims.
These incidents resulted in 759 fatalities, an increase of 21 compared to 2022, positioning France among the countries with high workplace fatality rates in Europe.
François Sauvadet, the president of the Côte-d'Or departmental council, expressed his condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims following this devastating incident.
