The palm tree was toppled on Saturday morning by a gust of wind, and the man was “seriously injured” as a result, French firefighters told news agency AFP. The man was reportedly a visitor to the film festival.
The incident happened as numerous film industry professionals and festival-goers were walking along La Croisette, where cafés and restaurants set up tables and chairs during the festival.
“I was sitting there when there was a strong gust of wind,” said Marthy Fink, a Luxembourger attending the festival, speaking to AFP. “I heard screaming, turned around, and the palm tree had been uprooted – I’d say it was in poor condition.” According to her, the tree not only struck the man but also knocked several other people to the ground.
