FC Lorient groundsman tragically ‘DIES’ after a floodlight bar falls on him in a freak accident just minutes after the club’s draw against Rennes
A man working as a groundsman for Ligue 1 side FC Lorient has reportedly died after a floodlight bar on the stadium fell on him in a freak accident.
The 38-year-old man was rushed to hospital but some reports in France are now claiming he has succumbed to his injuries.
The shocking incident happened at 7.00pm local time shortly after Lorient’s 3-0 defeat against Rennes on Sunday evening.
An FC Lorient groundsman has reportedly died after a floodlight bar fell on him
Emergency services used a defibrillator on the man before rushing him to the hospital
The goundsworker was carrying out of his duties after the full-time whistle when a floodlight ramp, used for pitch maintenance, collapsed on him.
Members from both teams have been left in a state of shock, having came back out on to the pitch to learn of the incident.
Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene and are said to have given the man defibrillator treatment in a bid to save his life before he was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Local firemen were also called to the scene to inspect the floodlight structure at Lorient’s 16,000 all-seater stadium.
The tragic incident has left members from both teams in a state of shock
It happened shortly after Rennes had defeated hosts FC Lorient in a Ligue 1 match
The groundsman, who was working for the French club as a volunteer, was a father of three according to local news sources.
A TV report from Canal+ said: ‘Immediately, the firefighters and resuscitators arrived.
‘Currently they are carrying out incessant cardiac massages on this man.
‘We have seen players from Rennes completely panicked, other players came out of the locker room.
‘Club doctors, presidents, everyone is very worried.’
Two other groundsworkers were also taken to hospital but did not suffer any physical injuries.
The Mayor of Lorient, Fabrice Loher, was at the stadium at the time of the accident and said: ‘It’s a terrible accident. The police from the Lorient police station have marked up the scene and an investigation is underway to understand the circumstances of the accident.’