A 68-year-old man has died after being struck in the head by a metal boule during a game of pétanque in southern France, local authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in the village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a popular destination for the sport. The victim, identified as Jean-Pierre Dubois, a retired teacher and avid player, was participating in a friendly match when a stray boule from an adjacent court struck him on the temple.
Emergency services were called but he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. An investigation has been launched by the local gendarmerie, though initial reports suggest no foul play. The sport of pétanque, similar to bocce, involves throwing or rolling heavy metal balls towards a target.
Accidents are rare but occasionally fatal due to the weight and velocity of the boules, which can weigh up to 800 grams. The mayor of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Marie-Claire Rouvier, expressed her condolences and announced that a minute of silence will be held before the next tournament. The incident has reignited debate over safety guidelines in amateur pétanque leagues, though officials stress the importance of maintaining proper distance between playing areas.
