In a harrowing incident on the A154 motorway near Val-de-Reuil, Normandy, three prison officers were killed and two others wounded after four gunmen ambushed their vehicle at the Incarville tollbooth. The attack, which occurred shortly after 11am, involved the use of Kalashnikovs and resulted in the escape of inmate Mohamed A, who is known for drug trafficking offenses.
Mohammed Amra, identified as the detainee involved in the deadly prison convoy attack at Incarville toll. Known as “The Fly,” he faces charges of attempted homicide, and alleged involvement in a narcotics network.
The prison van was transporting Mohamed A between Rouen and Evreux when it was intercepted by the assailants. The gunmen managed to free the inmate and initially fled in two cars, an Audi A5 and a BMW 5 series. The white Audi A5 was later found ablaze in nearby Vatteville, Eure, indicating a planned and coordinated escape.
Local authorities, including Alexandre Rassaërt, president of the Eure Departmental Council, and France’s Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti, have expressed their horror and sadness over the attack. Rassaërt described the incident as a “real carnage” and called for the swift arrest of those responsible. He extended his condolences to the families of the officers who were killed or injured, and to all prison administration guards who risk their lives daily.
Deputy Mayor of Vendée, Veronique Besse, also expressed her shock on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. She condemned the attack as a “scene of war” against the prison administration convoy and lamented the ongoing acts of violence in the country. Besse sent her condolences to the victims’ families and criticized the perceived indifference of national leaders towards such brutal acts.
Following the ambush, police closed the road indefinitely as they conducted their investigation. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, with footage posted online showing the chaotic aftermath, including the arrival of a fire engine.