A teenager has died in Marseille after inhaling nitrogen oxide, commonly known as "la glue," according to local authorities. The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the growing use of this volatile substance among young people in the city. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before midnight on Tuesday, August 10, following reports of severe respiratory distress. Despite immediate medical intervention, the 17-year-old was pronounced dead at the hospital hours later. The police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, with initial findings pointing toward the inhalation of nitrogen oxide as the likely cause. The tragedy occurred near the Gare Saint-Charles, one of Marseille’s busiest transport hubs, where a group of young individuals had gathered. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with several youths engaged in the consumption of "la glue." One woman, identified as Zélie*, attempted to intervene, reportedly trying to retrieve a bag of the substance from a group of users. She was later found wandering the area, visibly distressed, before being taken to a nearby shelter. According to reports, she had previously been hospitalized due to health issues linked to drug use. Joachim Lévy, director of the association Nouvelle Aube, which supports individuals struggling with addiction, encountered Zélie during his outreach efforts. He noted her extreme physical and mental state, describing her as “haggard” and “frail.” During their brief conversation, Zélie revealed that she had nearly lost consciousness after using the substance. Her experience highlights the dangers associated with nitrogen oxide, which can lead to rapid intoxication, loss of consciousness, and even death. The incident has intensified fears among officials regarding the rising prevalence of crack cocaine in Marseille. Local authorities have expressed alarm over the increasing number of users, particularly among adolescents. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Mayor Benoît Payan of Marseille has called for an urgent national strategy to combat the crisis. He emphasized the need for coordinated action involving multiple government agencies, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and social services. In recent months, there have been numerous reports of increased crack activity in the city's streets. A report published by Le Figaro described the situation as unprecedented, with users increasingly turning to the drug due to its affordability and availability. Crack, a highly addictive form of cocaine, is often consumed through smoking or injecting, leading to severe physical and psychological consequences. Health professionals warn that prolonged exposure can result in chronic lung damage, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive decline. The case of the deceased teenager underscores the broader challenges faced by Marseille in addressing drug-related emergencies. While emergency services have responded swiftly to incidents, the underlying issue of access to treatment and support remains unresolved. Many users lack stable housing and face barriers to receiving adequate care. Social workers and community organizations have reported a surge in demand for assistance, yet resources remain insufficient to meet the growing need. As the investigation into the teenager’s death continues, local leaders are urging greater public awareness about the risks of nitrogen oxide and crack use. They emphasize the importance of early intervention and education, particularly targeting vulnerable youth populations. With the situation worsening, there is mounting pressure on the government to implement more effective measures to curb the spread of these substances and provide better support for affected communities.
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