A 68‑year‑old petanque player in the French Atlantic resort of Mimizan was killed after a metal boule struck him in the head during a heated dispute between two rival groups.
The clash began when a town‑based team asked to play on the beach amid a heatwave, sparking an argument that escalated into violence. Witnesses said the incident weakened the peaceful nature of the local boules club and turned into a physical confrontation.
Investigations point to an 81‑year‑old man who has been arrested and is held in custody. The prosecutor’s office says the victim did not die instantly but collapsed minutes later after suffering a heart attack triggered by the impact.
Authorities continue to determine each participant’s role in the incident as the community mourns this sudden loss. The local radio station Ici Gascogne reports that the victim’s injuries led to a fatal heart attack, confirming the tragic outcome.
Photo: Three metal petanque boules sit apart on a gravel floor, shining in the sunlight. (Getty Images)
