The streets of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France were filled with car horns, flags and flares when the celebrations turned to tragedy. A 17-year-old girl died after being crushed by a lorry while marking France’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco, according to local reports.

The teenager was among thousands of jubilant supporters who poured into the streets after France’s 2-0 win secured a place in the semi-finals. Witnesses said groups of young fans began climbing onto moving vehicles as part of the celebrations, a risky practice that has become increasingly common after major football matches in France.

Police said the girl had climbed onto the side of a lorry with several other supporters as it moved through the town. At some point she lost her grip, fell onto the roadway and was run over by the same vehicle.

“She had climbed onto the side of a lorry, along with others, but fell onto the road,” a police spokesperson said. “The teenager was then crushed by the same vehicle. Attempts were made to revive her, but she was declared dead at the scene soon after midnight.”

The lorry driver was arrested and is undergoing tests for alcohol and drugs as part of an investigation into the fatal accident. Authorities have opened a formal inquiry to determine the exact circumstances and whether any charges will follow.

Three witnesses, described as deeply shocked by what they saw, were taken to hospital with minor injuries and symptoms of trauma.

The incident occurred against a backdrop of largely peaceful celebrations across France. Police had prepared for potential unrest, recalling the disturbances that followed Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph when hundreds were arrested. This time, authorities reported only a handful of arrests in Paris and relatively few problems elsewhere.

Yet the girl’s death has renewed concern over the dangers of fans climbing onto moving vehicles during football celebrations. Despite repeated warnings from officials, the practice has persisted, particularly among younger supporters eager to capture dramatic images and videos of the festivities.

In Aulnoye-Aymeries, the flags and banners that had filled the streets in the hours after the final whistle were replaced by flowers and candles, as residents gathered quietly to mourn a life cut short on a night meant for joy.