Tornado Kills Worker, Topples Three Cranes in Ermont

A rare, sudden tornado struck towns in Val-d’Oise north of Paris on Monday, with the worst damage in Ermont, toppling three construction cranes and ripping off roofs as videos showed cranes collapsing in seconds. The storm killed a 23-year-old construction worker and injured about nine others, four critically. It caused evacuations, power outages affecting about 1,700 homes and widespread damage across Ermont, Eaubonne, Andilly, Montmorency, Franconville and nearby districts. Authorities mobilized large emergency responses—from dozens to more than 150 firefighters, police and medical teams—carrying out hundreds of interventions, and a gymnasium in Ermont was opened as a temporary shelter. Pontoise prosecutors opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and unintentional workplace injury over the worker’s death, and officials warned residents to avoid damaged areas and downed power lines as recovery operations continue.