Paris, France – Web Desk: A French soldier was killed in an accidental shooting during an informal military game at a training facility west of Paris, authorities and local media reported.
According to international news agencies, four soldiers were playing a military-style game designed to simulate disarming a fellow soldier, typically conducted with unloaded weapons. However, one pistol was reportedly loaded, leading to a fatal incident.
The soldiers were allegedly under the influence of alcohol when one soldier fired the weapon, believing it to be empty. The bullet struck 20-year-old French soldier Alexandre Linkbein in the head. He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.
The military governor of Paris expressed deep condolences and said full support would be provided to the soldier’s family.
French media reported that the three other soldiers involved were presented before a Paris court. One soldier has been charged with causing serious bodily harm with a weapon and violating military orders under the influence of alcohol. The other two face charges of unintentional bodily harm, deliberate breach of safety regulations, and obstructing justice by altering the crime scene.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
