Schoolboy's hand blown off in France protests after 'picking up string-ball grenade'

A 15-year-old boy's hand was blown off during a confrontation between school protesters and police in the northern French city of Lens on Monday, according to officials. The incident occurred near the Auguste Béhal high school, where a large group of students had gathered. The prefect of Pas-de-Calais, François-Xavier Lauch, confirmed the boy was taken to a nearby hospital "very quickly" and stated the teenager's life was "not in danger." The event marks another escalation in the ongoing student-led protests across France, which have centered on deteriorating school infrastructure, understaffing, and inadequate learning conditions. The incident unfolded amid widespread closures of approximately 500 schools across the country. Protests, initially sparked by disputes over teacher vacancies in September, have grown into broader demonstrations demanding improved facilities and more resources. The unrest has led to clashes with law enforcement, with reports of projectiles such as stones, fireworks, and mortars being thrown at police. In response, authorities deployed riot police to restore order, setting the stage for the tragic event. Conflicting accounts emerged regarding how the boy sustained the severe injury. According to a police union source cited by AFP, the student allegedly picked up a sting-ball grenade fired by riot police, resulting in the explosion that severed his hand. A sting-ball grenade is a non-lethal crowd-control device designed to emit a bright flash and loud noise. However, a girl present at the scene contradicted this account, asserting that the boy did not pick up the grenade. She described witnessing the event and insisted the teenager had not touched the device. Lens Mayor Sylvain Robert acknowledged the need for further clarification, stating that while video footage of the aftermath was available, the exact sequence of events remained unclear. He noted that neither the police nor the students had provided detailed insights into how the situation unfolded. The prefect, Lauch, reiterated that instructions for deploying riot police were given with his approval, emphasizing the context of maintaining public order amidst escalating tensions. The school administration responded swiftly, announcing a switch to distance learning to ensure the safety of the student body. Additionally, a dedicated listening and support unit was established within the school to assist affected individuals. This decision reflects growing concerns among educators and administrators about the impact of the protests on both academic continuity and student well-being. The broader protests have drawn attention from national leaders. Education Minister Édouard Geffray reported that at least 190 students had been injured since the demonstrations began. The incidents include cases such as that of Eden, a 14-year-old who suffered a double jaw fracture after being hit by a tear gas grenade in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône. His mother expressed deep distress, describing the injuries as "horrific" and calling the actions of law enforcement "shameful" and "appalling." The protests originated in late September in Paris and have since spread throughout France, drawing participation from high school and university students alike. Demonstrators have called for better working conditions, reduced class sizes, and improved infrastructure. The movement has gained momentum, with over 5,000 arrests recorded since its inception, predominantly affecting minors. The protests have also coincided with political developments, as the nation prepares for elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron. As the situation evolves, the French government faces mounting pressure to address the underlying issues fueling the unrest. With the protests entering a new phase, the outcome of ongoing investigations and the responses from educational institutions will likely shape the trajectory of these demonstrations in the coming weeks.